No fatalities

Accident during Go-Around After Landing on Bumpy Runway (N3776R)

High Point Lake, PA, US

On July 8, 1990, a Piper PA-28 (registration N3776R) operated by Patrick A. Butcher was involved in an aviation accident near High Point Lake, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF CONTROL UPON TOUCHDOWN AND DURING THE GO AROUND, WHICH RESULTED IN UNCONTROLLED CONTACT WITH THE WINDSOCK AND A ROCK QUARRY. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE EXCESSIVE SPEED OF THE AIRCRAFT (REPORTED 80 KNOTS) UPON INITIAL TOUCHDOWN. 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

An aircraft touched down at 80 knots on a 1,900-foot hard, bumpy runway. The pilot initiated a go-around; the aircraft struck the windsock, continued over a rise, and came to rest in a rock quarry. The aircraft was destroyed; three occupants sustained serious injuries.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during a go-around after landing on a short, bumpy runway. The event occurred when the pilot attempted to abort the landing following an uncontrolled touchdown.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft touched down on a 1,900-foot hard runway that was described as bumpy. The landing speed was reported as 80 knots. According to the pilot, the aircraft became uncontrollable after touchdown, prompting him to initiate a go-around. During the go-around maneuver, the aircraft struck the windsock, which then became lodged on the left wing. The aircraft continued flying for approximately a quarter of a mile, passing over a slight rise, before finally coming to rest in a rock quarry.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. All three occupants on board received serious injuries.

Probable Cause

The provided source does not state a probable cause for the accident.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1990 Piper PA-28 accident near High Point Lake, PA?

An aircraft touched down at 80 knots on a 1,900-foot hard, bumpy runway. The pilot initiated a go-around; the aircraft struck the windsock, continued over a rise, and came to rest in a rock quarry. The aircraft was destroyed; three occupants sustained serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 1990 Piper PA-28 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N3776R, operated by Patrick A. Butcher, at High Point Lake, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A LOSS OF CONTROL UPON TOUCHDOWN AND DURING THE GO AROUND, WHICH RESULTED IN UNCONTROLLED CONTACT WITH THE WINDSOCK AND A ROCK QUARRY. CONTRIBUTING WAS THE EXCESSIVE SPEED OF THE AIRCRAFT (REPORTED 80 KNOTS) UPON INITIAL TOUCHDOWN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23794. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.