Casualties unknown

Landing Accident Following Go-Around with Malfunctioning Airspeed Indicator (N3130Z)

Eagle Bend, MN, US

On June 14, 1991, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3130Z) operated by Randall M. Hess was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle Bend, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE AN UNRELIABLE AIRSPEED INDICATOR AND THE PILOT'S DECISION TO OPERATE WITH THIS KNOWN DEFICIENCY. 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

A pilot took off with a malfunctioning airspeed indicator, then after a go-around due to overshooting, landed long and veered off the runway, nosing over in a plowed field.

Event Summary

The pilot of a small aircraft departed with an airspeed indicator that was not functioning properly. The destination was an airport with a 50-foot-wide sod runway. Upon arrival, the pilot attempted a landing approach but executed a go-around after overshooting the runway.

Landing Sequence

On the second approach, the pilot landed the airplane approximately 40 percent down the runway, according to his account. He reported that he was unaware of his groundspeed but noted that "things seemed quicker than they normally did." The pilot stated that the touchdown occurred on the left side of the runway with a slight right yaw attitude. During the landing roll, the airplane continued to veer to the right, eventually departing the runway and entering a plowed field, where it nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17223. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.