Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Landing After Geese Encounter, Strikes Fence and Ditches (N41483)

Lake Village, IN, US

On October 20, 1984, a Piper PA28-151 (registration N41483) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Village, IN. 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 pilot on final approach to a wet sod runway added power to avoid geese, leading to a longer touchdown. Unable to stop due to speed and wet runway, the pilot aborted the landing, but the landing gear struck a fence; the aircraft crossed a road and nosed into a ditch.

Incident Sequence

The pilot reported that during the final approach to land on a wet, sod runway, a flock of geese was observed over the approach end. To avoid the birds, the pilot added power and flew over them, resulting in a touchdown farther down the runway than originally planned.

After touching down, the pilot found that due to the aircraft's speed and the wet runway conditions, it was not possible to bring the aircraft to a stop. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around.

During the lift-off, the landing gear struck a fence that bordered the departure end of the runway. The aircraft continued beyond the runway, crossing a bordering road before nosing into a ditch.

Aircraft and Runway Details

The runway was described as being composed of sod and was wet at the time of the incident. No further details about the aircraft or its occupants were provided in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 1984 Piper PA28-151 accident near Lake Village, IN?

A pilot on final approach to a wet sod runway added power to avoid geese, leading to a longer touchdown. Unable to stop due to speed and wet runway, the pilot aborted the landing, but the landing gear struck a fence; the aircraft crossed a road and nosed into a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 1984 involved a Piper PA28-151, registration N41483, at Lake Village, IN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41319. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.