On June 19, 1982, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N4346F) operated by Capital Aero Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in being behind the power curve and an inability to climb out of the valley. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot overshot the runway due to excessive altitude and low airspeed. Unable to climb out of the valley at the end of the strip, the aircraft was forced to land on the flat side of the terrain.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft overshot the runway threshold because it was established too high for a normal landing configuration. The intended plan was to execute a go-around and attempt a second approach. However, during this phase, the airspeed dropped below safe limits, placing the aircraft behind the power curve.
With insufficient thrust to overcome the descent rate, the pilot could not achieve a positive climb gradient. Consequently, the aircraft failed to clear the terrain at the end of the runway and was forced to make an off-airport landing on the flat side of the adjacent valley.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in being behind the power curve and an inability to climb out of the valley.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jun 1982 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Jackson, MT?
A pilot overshot the runway due to excessive altitude and low airspeed. Unable to climb out of the valley at the end of the strip, the aircraft was forced to land on the flat side of the terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jun 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N4346F, operated by Capital Aero Inc., at Jackson, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in being behind the power curve and an inability to climb out of the valley.
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