Casualties unknown

1985-05-13: Piper PA-38-112 (N2456L) — Northwind Aviation — Morgan Hill, CA

Morgan Hill, CA, US

On May 13, 1985, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2456L) operated by Northwind Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Morgan Hill, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a personal flight, an aircraft landed long and fast at an uncharted dirt airstrip in a state park. After touching down, the pilot attempted a go-around but veered off the runway, traveled through a grassy field, briefly became airborne, struck bushes, and came to rest at the bottom of a 30-foot-deep ravine.

Incident Overview

A personal flight involving a pilot and a passenger ended after the aircraft veered off a runway during a go-around attempt at an uncharted, dirt airstrip located within a state park. The pilot acknowledged that during the approach, the aircraft was both high and fast. After initially touching down, the pilot reported that he attempted to execute a go-around.

Accident Sequence

According to a park ranger who witnessed the event, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway at approximately the midfield location. From there, it traveled for 342 feet through a grassy field, then became airborne for 300 feet before colliding with additional bushes. The aircraft came to rest at the bottom of a ravine that was 30 feet deep.

Flight Details

The flight was conducted as a personal operation. The airstrip was uncharted and dirt-surfaced, situated within a state park. No further details about the aircraft or its occupants were provided in the initial report.

Aftermath

The aircraft was found at the base of the ravine after the incident. No information regarding injuries, fatalities, or damage extent has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36508. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.