Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA16CA218

Block Island, RI, USA

Aircraft #1

N44255

PIPER PA32

Analysis

According to the pilot, while on final approach to land on a 2,502-ft-long, asphalt runway, he observed another airplane back-taxiing on the runway and then depart. He continued the approach, performed a "normal" full-flaps landing, and the airplane touched down about midfield. During the rollout, he determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to stop and chose to attempt a go-around. The airplane subsequently struck the airport perimeter fence and then a roadway guard rail before it impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that the accident might have been prevented by aborting the landing earlier.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, while on final approach to land on a 2,502-foot-long, asphalt runway, he observed another airplane back-taxiing on the runway and then depart. He continued the approach, performed a "normal" full flaps landing, and the airplane touched down about midfield. During the rollout, he determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, and chose to attempt a go-around. The airplane subsequently struck the airport perimeter fence and then a roadway guard rail before it impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot further reported he did not experience any pre-accident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that the accident might have been prevented by aborting the landing earlier.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and the airplane’s subsequent collision with obstacles during an attempted go-around.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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