Summary
On May 18, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (N625EE) was involved in an accident near Flushing, MI. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach, his failure to attain the proper touchdown point for landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, and the proximity of trees.
On May 17, 1997, at 2225 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N625EE, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an aborted landing, at Dalton Airport, near Flushing, Michigan, when it impacted trees and the terrain. The pilot received serious injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in night visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Flint, Michigan about 2200.
The pilot stated that when he approached the airport for landing he intentionally kept the airplane high on final approach because he was aware of trees on the approach end. He said that when the airplane touched down he could see the departure end of the runway coming up fast and realized that he would not be able to stop on the pavement.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI97LA136. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N625EE.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach, his failure to attain the proper touchdown point for landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around (aborted landing). Factors related to the accident were: darkness, and the proximity of trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 17, 1997, at 2225 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N625EE, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an aborted landing, at Dalton Airport, near Flushing, Michigan, when it impacted trees and the terrain. The pilot received serious injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in night visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Flint, Michigan about 2200.
The pilot stated that when he approached the airport for landing he intentionally kept the airplane high on final approach because he was aware of trees on the approach end. He said that when the airplane touched down he could see the departure end of the runway coming up fast and realized that he would not be able to stop on the pavement. He said he aborted the landing and initiated a climb; however, the airplane impacted a tree off the departure end of the runway.
An eye witness gave a similar account of the accident as the pilot's statement. He said that he was not a pilot, but that on the approach he knew the airplane was high. He said on landing he could hear the sound of the tires sliding on the pavement. He said that he then heard the engine power increase and watched as the airplane began to climb and strike a tree.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI97LA136