Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Fourth Takeoff, Aircraft Strikes Trees After Settling Back to Runway (N2127J)

Dushore, PA, US

On April 23, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2127J) operated by Gull Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dushore, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: COLLISION WITH TREES DURING A REJECTED TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE TURF STRIP DUE TO THE PILOTS FAILURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXISTING WIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After aborting three takeoffs, a pilot attempted a fourth. The aircraft lifted off before midfield but settled back to the ground. The pilot aborted again but could not stop before hitting trees at the runway end.

Accident Sequence

A pilot with 186 hours of flight experience performed three takeoff attempts, each of which was aborted. On the fourth attempt, the aircraft became airborne before reaching the midpoint of the runway. However, it subsequently settled back to the ground. The pilot then aborted the takeoff once more but was unable to bring the aircraft to a stop before it collided with several trees located at the departure end of the runway.

Pilot Statement

The pilot later stated that he had some reservations about flying to that particular airstrip because he had insufficient information about it.

No further details regarding the aircraft, its occupants, or the extent of damage were provided in the official source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Dushore, PA?

After aborting three takeoffs, a pilot attempted a fourth. The aircraft lifted off before midfield but settled back to the ground. The pilot aborted again but could not stop before hitting trees at the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2127J, operated by Gull Aviation, at Dushore, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

COLLISION WITH TREES DURING A REJECTED TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE TURF STRIP DUE TO THE PILOTS FAILURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXISTING WIND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28193. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.