N81478

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-32-300 S/N: 327940278

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 28, 1994
NTSB Number
NYC95LA018
Location
PILLOW, PA
Event ID
20001206X02518
Coordinates
40.640625, -76.799263
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point on a grass runway covered with frost, which resulted in inadequate braking, and runway overrun.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N81478
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
327940278
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-32-300 PA32
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HECKLER JOHN P
Address
2312 N BROAD ST
Status
Deregistered
City
COLMAR
State / Zip Code
PA 18915
Country
United States

Analysis

On October 28, 1994, at 1015 eastern daylight time, a Piper, PA-32-300, N81478, owned and piloted by Clayton Heckler, was substantially damaged during a landing at a private grass strip near Pillow, Pennsylvania. The pilot, and the 1 passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR 91.

According to the pilot's written statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2:

Upon touch down on runway, applied brakes, skidded off end of runway, down a steep bank into woods. Wings were removed by trees. Plane fell on right side. Runway was frost covered grass. Brakes operated correctly, no mechanical malfunction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC95LA018