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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overruns Runway and Strikes Poles After Landing on Wet Grass (N4576J)

Columbia, PA, US

On October 18, 1985, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N4576J) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a long landing on a wet, slippery grass runway and subsequent runway overrun. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landed long on a wet, grass runway and overran the end, colliding with six-foot poles before stopping.

What happened

The aircraft experienced an overrun landing incident. According to the pilot's statement, the crew identified excessive airspeed while on short final approach for landing. The runway surface consisted of grass that had been freshly cut, leaving it wet and slippery.

Consequently, the aircraft touched down beyond the intended touchdown zone. It continued past the end of the paved or prepared runway surface and ran off onto the grassy area. During this overrun, the aircraft collided with several poles that were six feet high before finally coming to a stop.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a long landing on a wet, slippery grass runway and subsequent runway overrun.
Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Oct 1985 Piper PA-28R-180 accident near Columbia, PA?

An aircraft landed long on a wet, grass runway and overran the end, colliding with six-foot poles before stopping.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N4576J, at Columbia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a long landing on a wet, slippery grass runway and subsequent runway overrun.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38138. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.