LAPAZ, IN, USA
N3331R
Piper PA-28-180
The pilot reported the airplane would not slow down during the landing roll with the use of brakes. He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted a fence at the end of the runway.
On August 22, 1998, at 0930 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28- 180, N3331R, operated by a private pilot was substantially damaged while landing at the Sherk Field in Lapaz, Indiana. The landing was being made to the east on the 2,100 foot long grass airstrip when the airplane traveled off the end of the airstrip and collided with a fence. The pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Valparaiso, Indiana, at 0910 est. The pilot reported that upon touching down the airplane "...did not slow down by braking." He reported that he did not retract the flaps and the grass was wet from the previous night's rain. He reported he initiated a turn to the right into longer grass and was starting to make a 180 degree turn when the airplane contacted the fence at the end of the runway.
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in landing on unsuitable terrain (wet, grass). Factors associated with the accident were the wet grass and the fence.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
