Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Fence, Ditch, and Trees During Touch-and-Go Landing on Short Grass Strip (N8695E)

Shiro, TX, US

On April 27, 1984, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8695E) was involved in an aviation accident near Shiro, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on his fourth solo attempt collided with a fence, ditch, and trees during a touch-and-go landing on a 2,080-foot grass strip with obstructions at both ends.

Event Details

During a touch-and-go landing on a short grass airstrip, the aircraft collided with a fence, ditch, and trees. The landing was taking place on a 2,080-foot long turf airstrip that had obstructions at both ends, including 40-foot tall trees at the departure end. This was the student pilot's fourth attempt at a solo flight.

Witness Observations

The owner of the aviation training center stated that touch-and-go landings are not normally permitted on fields as short as this one, especially with a student of limited experience. He believed that the student had coerced the certified flight instructor (CFI) into endorsing the solo flight. Additionally, the owner reported observing evidence of braking at midfield, which he attributed to the student having doubts about clearing the trees at the end of the strip.

Aircraft and Injuries

No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or the number of occupants. The source did not specify any injuries or fatalities. Damage to the aircraft was not described in detail.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Apr 1984 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Shiro, TX?

A student pilot on his fourth solo attempt collided with a fence, ditch, and trees during a touch-and-go landing on a 2,080-foot grass strip with obstructions at both ends.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Apr 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8695E, at Shiro, TX.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39289. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.