Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Overruns Runway During Crosswind Landing Attempt (N111BT)

Pittsfield, IL, US

On August 2, 1983, a Piper PA-22 (registration N111BT) was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsfield, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to stop the aircraft on the available runway length during a crosswind landing, resulting in an overrun. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot attempted a landing on a short runway with crosswinds but failed to stop in time, overrunning the end and striking a fence.

What happened

The aircraft was involved in a personal flight carrying one passenger. During the arrival phase at the destination airport, the pilot elected to land on Runway 25. The available runway length was limited to 1,700 feet. At the time of the approach, weather conditions included a crosswind from 160 degrees with a speed of 8 knots.

The pilot reported that the initial landing attempt was unsuccessful and required a second try. During this second attempt, the aircraft touched down but did not decelerate sufficiently to come to a stop within the remaining runway distance. The aircraft continued its forward momentum past the end of the paved surface and collided with a fence located beyond the runway threshold.

The investigation

The physical evidence indicated that the aircraft sustained damage consistent with an overrun incident. No mechanical failures were reported as contributing factors prior to the event. The primary issue was the inability to stop the aircraft on the available pavement length under the given wind conditions.

Findings

Contributing factors included the short runway length relative to the landing performance requirements and the crosswind component. The pilot's decision to continue the approach and subsequent landing attempt resulted in the overrun. The fence at the end of the runway served as the final obstacle struck by the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to stop the aircraft on the available runway length during a crosswind landing, resulting in an overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44054. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.