Casualties unknown

Runway Overrun and Fence Collision During Go-Around Attempt (N55552)

Lake Village, IN, US

On May 5, 1988, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N55552) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Village, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway and colliding with a fence. 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

A pilot attempted a go-around after landing long, but the aircraft failed to gain altitude, running off the runway end and striking a fence before coming to rest in an adjacent field.

What happened

The pilot executed a landing that extended significantly beyond the normal touchdown zone. Upon realizing the aircraft would not be able to stop within the remaining runway length, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. The pilot reported having approximately 10 degrees of flap extension, equivalent to one notch. Full power was applied in an attempt to achieve lift-off. However, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude and continued forward, eventually running off the end of the runway. The aircraft then collided with a fence located at the perimeter of the airfield before coming to rest in an open field nearby.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the landing and subsequent go-around attempt. Key factors examined included the flap configuration, power application, and the aircraft's performance during the critical phase of attempting to become airborne from a low speed and altitude. No mechanical failures were reported that would have prevented normal operation.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue with a go-around after landing long, which left insufficient runway distance and airspeed to safely clear obstacles. The aircraft's inability to lift off before reaching the end of the paved surface resulted in the collision with the fence.

Safety message

Pilots should be aware that attempting a go-around after a long landing can be extremely hazardous due to low altitude and airspeed. If a runway overrun is imminent, it may be safer to continue the landing rollout than to attempt an unsuccessful climb.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway and colliding with a fence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1988 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Lake Village, IN?

A pilot attempted a go-around after landing long, but the aircraft failed to gain altitude, running off the runway end and striking a fence before coming to rest in an adjacent field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N55552, at Lake Village, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the aircraft running off the end of the runway and colliding with a fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25646. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.