N33735

On September 26, 2000, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N33735, registered to Chesaning Aero Club, Inc., was substantially damaged when it collided with an obstruction during landing roll at Cook County Airport in Adel, Georgia. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Taylor County Airport, Campbellsville, Kentucky, at 1245, with a planned destination of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida.

According to the pilot, the airplane was reportedly low on fuel and a diversion to Adel, Georgia, was initiated. He stated that he made a decision to land straight in on runway 15 "as a precautionary measure, due to my concern about indicated fuel status." Runway 5 was the active runway and was the advised runway for landing since runway 15 was closed at the time. During landing roll, the airplane collided with wood block. During the impact sequence, the left main landing gear was broken off, the left flap was damaged, and the left wing from the flap area inboard was damaged/buckled on both the top and bottom of the wing.

During the examination of the airplane, all fuel tanks were found intact with no visual punctures. Fuel drained from the airplane included: left wing inboard, 12 oz.; left wing tip, 10 oz.; right wing inboard, 12 oz.; right wing tip, 2 gallons, 10 oz. No mechanical malfunctions were found during the engine examination. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued on September 12, 2000, indicating that the runway was closed, and the runway was marked with 'X's. At the time the accident occurred, the NOTAM was still in effect.