Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI05CA208

Willard, MO, USA

Aircraft #1

N6846J

Piper PA-28-181

Analysis

The airplane sustained substantial damage when in veered off the end of the runway, impacted a utility pole, and nosed over during landing on a 1,800 feet by 75 feet grass runway. The pilot reported that on final approach the airplane was configured with two notches of flaps with 80 mph airspeed. The airplane touched down in the first one-third of the runway and the pilot applied brakes. The pilot reported the airplane was approaching the end of the runway so he applied a burst of power to initiate a go-around. He reported that he saw power lines off the end of the runway, and since he was not airborne yet, he rejected the go-around and initiated heavy braking. The airplane went off the end of the runway and veered to the right, impacting a utility pole. The pilot reported the temperature was 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the high-density altitude affected the landing ground roll adversely. The pilot reported that the approach speed noted in the Pilot Operating Handbook was 76 mph.

Factual Information

On August 1, 2005, at 1830 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N6846J, sustained substantial damage when in veered off the end of the runway, impacted a utility pole, and nosed over during landing on runway 36 (1,800 feet by 75 feet, grass) at the Bird Field Airport (2MO1), near Willard, Missouri. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight departed the Springfield Regional Airport (SGF), Springfield, Missouri, at 1825 and was landing at 2MO1. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that on final approach the airplane was configured with two notches of flaps with 80 mph airspeed. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down in the first one-third of the runway and he applied brakes. The pilot reported, "The end of the runway was coming at me very fast it appeared so I applied a burst of power to initiate a 'go-around.' I noted power lines off the end of the runway that would be an obstacle to a successful go-around. I was not yet airborne so I rejected the go-around and initiated heavy braking." The airplane went off the end of the runway and veered to the right, impacting a utility pole. The airplane nosed over, and the pilot and passenger exited through a popped out windshield. The pilot reported the following: "Cause and prevention. Density altitude 96 degree F, affected the landing ground roll adversely. And I should have been a few miles an hour slower on the approach, which would have me touching down on the first one-fourth of the runway, for a controllable ground roll." The pilot reported that the approach speed noted in the Pilot Operating Handbook was 76 mph.

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane overran the runway and hit a utility pole due to the pilot's delayed decision making and his failure to execute a go-around. Contributing factors included the exessive airspeed during the final approach, the high density altitude, the transmission wires, and the utility pole.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports