Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA11CA445

Charleston, SC, USA

Aircraft #1

N30731

PIPER PA-32RT-300

Analysis

The pilot stated that he was approaching the airport for landing at an altitude of 2,500 feet. He requested and received clearance for a 360-degree turn to lose altitude prior to continuing the landing approach. The pilot stated that the airplane's airspeed was too high as it crossed the runway threshold, but he elected to continue the landing. The airplane touched down, but the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it traveled off the end of the runway and impacted a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane and that he should have executed a go-around rather than continuing the approach and landing.

Factual Information

The pilot stated that he was approaching the airport for landing at an altitude of 2,500 feet. He requested from the airport control tower, and was subsequently cleared for, a 360-degree turn to lose altitude prior to continuing the landing approach. The pilot stated that the airplane's airspeed was too high as it crossed the runway threshold, but he elected to continue the landing. The airplane touched down, but the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it traveled off the end of the runway and impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane, and that he should have executed a go-around rather than continuing the approach and landing.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to continue the approach and landing at a high airspeed, which resulted in an improper touchdown point and subsequent runway excursion.

 

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