On August 15, 1983, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N39934) was involved in an aviation accident near Rangeley, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed control during the approach, resulting in a float and subsequent overrun of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft encountered a downdraft during approach, resulting in excessive speed and float. Insufficient runway length led to an overrun into trees, shearing the landing gear.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering a downdraft while on final approach. As power was added to counteract the sink rate, airspeed increased beyond the threshold as the downdraft subsided. The aircraft floated approximately one-third of the way down the 2,700-foot runway. The remaining 1,800 feet proved insufficient to bring the aircraft to a stop. The aircraft continued past the end of the runway and entered small trees, which sheared off the landing gear.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the aircraft overran the paved surface due to excessive speed and float during the landing phase. The damage was consistent with contact with vegetation at the runway threshold.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed control during the approach, resulting in a float and subsequent overrun of the runway.
What happened in the 15 Aug 1983 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Rangeley, ME?
Aircraft encountered a downdraft during approach, resulting in excessive speed and float. Insufficient runway length led to an overrun into trees, shearing the landing gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Aug 1983 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N39934, at Rangeley, ME.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed control during the approach, resulting in a float and subsequent overrun of the runway.
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