No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Fence and Wall During Go-Around After Runway Overshoot (N1399H)

Compton, CA, US

On April 2, 1983, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1399H) was involved in an aviation accident near Compton, CA. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an attempted go-around after overshooting the runway on landing, an aircraft collided with a chain link fence and a brick wall. The two front-seat pilots were seriously injured; the rear-seat passenger was unharmed. No fire occurred despite fuel in both wings.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft (specific type not mentioned in the source) was attempting to land on Runway 25L. The pilot was observed to be high on approach and had approximately 25 percent of the runway remaining when he decided to initiate a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the aircraft overshot the runway and collided with a chain link fence and a brick wall.

Weather and Conditions

At the time of the incident, the wind was from 030 degrees at 4 knots. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed, with no adverse weather reported.

Aircraft and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was destroyed in the collision. The two pilots occupying the front seats suffered serious injuries. The rear-seat passenger was not injured. Despite fuel being present in both wings, there was no fire.

Circumstances

The landing attempt was made on Runway 25L. The pilot's decision to go around came when the aircraft was still high and had only a quarter of the runway left. The exact cause of the high approach was not stated in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Compton, CA?

During an attempted go-around after overshooting the runway on landing, an aircraft collided with a chain link fence and a brick wall. The two front-seat pilots were seriously injured; the rear-seat passenger was unharmed. No fire occurred despite fuel in both wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1399H, at Compton, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42708. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.