Casualties unknown

Stolen Aircraft Crashes on Road During Landing Attempt (N21136)

Houston, TX, US

On November 1, 1982, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N21136) operated by Fred Goeke was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A stolen aircraft crashed onto a road while attempting to land, striking a tree and sliding into a culvert. Two occupants exited the scene unharmed.

What happened

The incident occurred when an aircraft attempted to land on a roadway rather than a designated airfield. During the landing phase, the pilot lost control or misjudged the approach, causing the aircraft to strike a tree. The impact with the tree caused the aircraft to spin around before coming to rest on the road surface.

Following the collision, the aircraft slid along the ground and eventually came to a stop after hitting a culvert and a telephone pole. Upon the cessation of movement, two occupants were observed exiting the wreckage. They immediately ran away from the scene. Given that they fled the area, it is assumed they sustained no injuries.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant mechanical details regarding its operational status prior to the crash. Investigators found that the fuel tanks were completely empty. This finding suggests that the aircraft may have been operating without adequate fuel reserves at the time of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Nov 1982 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Houston, TX?

A stolen aircraft crashed onto a road while attempting to land, striking a tree and sliding into a culvert. Two occupants exited the scene unharmed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Nov 1982 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N21136, operated by Fred Goeke, at Houston, TX.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.