Casualties unknown

Go-Around After Landing Long Results in Wing Strike with Tree (N4348X)

Barker, NY, US

On August 5, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4348X) was involved in an aviation accident near Barker, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ABORT THE LANDING TOO FAR DOWN THE RUNWAY. A FACTOR WAS: THE SMALL TREE LOCATED OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported touching down one-third down the runway with little braking action, then initiating a go-around. During lift-off at the runway end, the right wing struck a small tree, embedding it 6 to 8 inches into the wing. The pilot throttled back and landed, coming to rest about 200 feet off the runway end.

Accident Overview

A pilot executed a go-around after a landing that provided insufficient braking action, during which the aircraft's right wing struck a small tree. The incident occurred when the pilot, realizing he would not stop on the remaining runway, added power for a go-around. Flying speed was attained at the end of the runway, and during lift-off, the right wing contacted a tree located outboard of the right wheel.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway. The surface offered little or no braking action, prompting him to add power for a go-around. As the aircraft reached flying speed at the runway's end, the right wing struck a small tree. The tree became embedded 6 to 8 inches into the wing. Following the impact, the pilot throttled the engine back to full idle and landed the aircraft. The airplane came to rest roughly 200 feet beyond the end of the runway.

Aftermath

The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing from the tree penetration. No other details regarding injuries or aircraft condition were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Barker, NY?

A pilot reported touching down one-third down the runway with little braking action, then initiating a go-around. During lift-off at the runway end, the right wing struck a small tree, embedding it 6 to 8 inches into the wing. The pilot throttled back and landed, coming to rest about 200 feet off the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4348X, at Barker, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ABORT THE LANDING TOO FAR DOWN THE RUNWAY. A FACTOR WAS: THE SMALL TREE LOCATED OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29237. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.