Casualties unknown

Aircraft Aborts Takeoff After Striking Hedge, Slides Through Fields (N5002F)

Rhinebeck, NY, US

On July 2, 1991, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5002F) operated by Catskill Transportation was involved in an aviation accident near Rhinebeck, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite insufficient clearance over a high hedge, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent collision with fences. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a farm field, the airplane's landing gear struck a high hedge approximately 1800 feet from the start. The pilot aborted the climb and landed in an adjacent field, where the aircraft slid on wet grass and collided with fences before coming to rest.

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial phase of flight at a private farm field. As the airplane accelerated for takeoff, its landing gear impacted the top of a high hedge located approximately 1800 feet from the point where the takeoff roll began. Upon striking the obstacle, the pilot immediately reduced engine power to idle and elected to abandon the takeoff attempt.

The aircraft descended into an adjoining field adjacent to the takeoff area. The ground surface in this field consisted of wet grass, which allowed the airplane to slide forward with significant momentum after touchdown. During this uncontrolled slide, the left wing struck a fence line, followed shortly by the right wing impacting another fence. These collisions caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 180 degrees before it finally came to a stop.

The investigation

The available factual narrative does not provide detailed mechanical inspection results or forensic analysis of the aircraft components post-impact. The sequence of events is derived directly from the pilot's account and the physical evidence of the final resting position relative to the takeoff path and surrounding obstacles.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite insufficient clearance over a high hedge, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent collision with fences.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1991 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Rhinebeck, NY?

During takeoff from a farm field, the airplane's landing gear struck a high hedge approximately 1800 feet from the start. The pilot aborted the climb and landed in an adjacent field, where the aircraft slid on wet grass and collided with fences before coming to rest.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1991 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5002F, operated by Catskill Transportation, at Rhinebeck, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite insufficient clearance over a high hedge, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent collision with fences.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.