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Aircraft Overruns Runway and Collides with Ground Equipment After Intentional Ground Loop (N7339J)

Summerville, SC, US

On June 22, 1984, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7339J) was involved in an aviation accident near Summerville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate runway length was available for a safe landing on a wet sod surface, resulting in a runway overrun and subsequent collision with ground objects. 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

An aircraft landed long on a wet sod runway, overrunning the end before an intentional ground loop caused it to strike a fire bucket and utility trailer.

What happened

The aircraft touched down approximately 1500 feet past the approach end of a 4000-foot wet sod runway. The pilot had deployed 10 degrees of flaps for the landing. Brakes were applied immediately upon touchdown; however, as the aircraft traveled 3000 feet down the runway, it became apparent that stopping before reaching the end of the paved surface was impossible.

To prevent a straight-ahead collision with a deep ditch located at the end of the runway, the pilot executed an intentional ground loop. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a fire bucket and a utility trailer before finally coming to rest.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate runway length was available for a safe landing on a wet sod surface, resulting in a runway overrun and subsequent collision with ground objects.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 1984 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Summerville, SC?

An aircraft landed long on a wet sod runway, overrunning the end before an intentional ground loop caused it to strike a fire bucket and utility trailer.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7339J, at Summerville, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate runway length was available for a safe landing on a wet sod surface, resulting in a runway overrun and subsequent collision with ground objects.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39821. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.