Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach to land, and his failure to go around while there was still sufficient runway remaining, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and collision with trees. The lack of natural lighting at dusk was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 11, 1996 about 2020 eastern daylight time, N8121K, Piper PA-28-181,a personal flight, overran runway 29, and collided with trees during landing at Richmond Airport, West Kingston, Rhode Island. Visual meteorological conditions existed. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The departure point was Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot reported " I arrived overhead (the airport) about 2000 edt. By this time it was almost dark. I made about 4 or 5 passes, being high on each pass. Trees at the approach end of the runway made it difficult as I couldn't see the top of the trees to judge my height relative to the end of the runway. On the last pass, I dropped it in almost halfway down the runway. It became obvious I was not going to stop in time, and it was too late for a wave-off. Knowing there was a precipitous drop at the end of runway 29, I veered to the left, hoping the soft earth would slow me to a stop. I hit the soft earth, and lost control, and ran into the trees."
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC96LA165