Casualties unknown

Pilot Overruns Runway and Performs Intentional Ground Loop, Resulting in Landing Gear Collapse (N7151P)

Bedford, IN, US

On June 8, 1988, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7151P) was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot landed beyond the intended touchdown point on the runway due to excessive airspeed during the approach to landing and touchdown. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft ran off the departure end of the runway after the pilot landed beyond the intended touchdown point due to excessive airspeed. The pilot initiated an intentional ground loop to avoid a ditch, causing the right main landing gear to collapse.

Accident Overview

During the landing phase, the pilot touched down beyond his intended point on the runway. This was attributed to excessive airspeed maintained during the approach and touchdown. The aircraft subsequently ran off the departure end of the runway.

Pilot Actions

To avoid a ditch or culvert in the aircraft's path, the pilot elected to perform an intentional ground loop or swerve. This maneuver imposed significant side loads on the landing gear.

Damage

The side loads incurred during the intentional ground loop caused the right main landing gear to collapse. No further damage details were provided.

Conclusion

The sequence of events began with landing beyond the intended point due to excessive airspeed, followed by a runway excursion and a deliberate swerve that led to structural failure of the landing gear.

Probable cause

The pilot landed beyond the intended touchdown point on the runway due to excessive airspeed during the approach to landing and touchdown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.