Summary
On October 14, 2013, a Piper PA 28-150 (N5873W) was involved in an incident near Newport, NH. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's incorrect glide path, which resulted in a landing area overshoot and a runway excursion.
According to the pilot, he learned that runway 36 at destination airport was closed and proceeded with his departure. After an uneventful flight, while making radio calls to the destination airport, the airport manager reported that runway 30 was open and provided its length, 1,700 feet. The pilot entered the traffic pattern for the runway and configured the airplane for a short approach. Anticipating an uphill landing, the pilot misjudged the beginning of runway 30 as it was lower in elevation than he expected. He remarked that he was high and fast on the final approach leg and could not perform a go-around due to tall trees at the end of the runway. After the airplane touched down, the pilot applied brakes; however, the airplane slid across the grass strip.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA14CA037. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5873W.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's incorrect glide path, which resulted in a landing area overshoot and a runway excursion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he learned that runway 36 at destination airport was closed and proceeded with his departure. After an uneventful flight, while making radio calls to the destination airport, the airport manager reported that runway 30 was open and provided its length, 1,700 feet. The pilot entered the traffic pattern for the runway and configured the airplane for a short approach. Anticipating an uphill landing, the pilot misjudged the beginning of runway 30 as it was lower in elevation than he expected. He remarked that he was high and fast on the final approach leg and could not perform a go-around due to tall trees at the end of the runway. After the airplane touched down, the pilot applied brakes; however, the airplane slid across the grass strip. He then guided the airplane to the right to avoid trees, but the airplane continued until the left wing impacted a tree and came to rest. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA037