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Aircraft Enters Lake After Failed Go-Around (N2946Y)

Many, LA, US

On March 28, 1987, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2946Y) operated by Tips Air,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Many, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed initiation of a go-around after landing long and fast over trees at the threshold, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway into a lake. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after running off the end of a private airstrip and entering a lake during an attempted go-around. The pilot reported landing long and fast, delaying the go-around until it was too late.

What happened

The aircraft sustained substantial damage when it ran off the end of a 3,300-foot private airstrip and entered a lake. This incident occurred during an attempted go-around maneuver. Environmental conditions at the time were calm, with no wind reported.

The pilot provided details regarding the approach, stating that the aircraft landed long and fast over trees located at the threshold of the runway. Due to this high-energy approach, the pilot delayed initiating a go-around procedure until it was too late to recover safely. Consequently, the aircraft continued past the end of the runway and entered the adjacent lake.

The investigation

The primary finding from the investigation relates to the timing of the pilot's decision-making during the landing phase. The delay in initiating the go-around was identified as a critical factor in the outcome.

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed initiation of a go-around after landing long and fast over trees at the threshold, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway into a lake.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 1987 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Many, LA?

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after running off the end of a private airstrip and entering a lake during an attempted go-around. The pilot reported landing long and fast, delaying the go-around until it was too late.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 1987 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2946Y, operated by Tips Air,inc., at Many, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delayed initiation of a go-around after landing long and fast over trees at the threshold, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway into a lake.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30452. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.