Casualties unknown

Accident During Go-Around After Landing on Wet Turf Runway (N5112P)

Moontown, AL, US

On April 19, 1992, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5112P) operated by Akins, Robert D. was involved in an aviation accident near Moontown, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S EXCESSIVE REFERENCE AIRSPEED ON LANDING, IMPROPER USE OF THE WHEEL BRAKES, AND HIS DELAY IN EXECUTING AN ABORTED LANDING. A FACTOR WAS THE WET RUNWAY SURFACE. 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 reported that after landing on a wet 2400-foot turf runway, the airplane slid for about 1000 feet without slowing. During a go-around, the left wing struck hedges at the runway end, causing loss of control and collision with the ground. No mechanical malfunctions were noted.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that the landing surface was a wet turf runway measuring 2400 feet in length. Winds were light and variable at the time. After touchdown, the pilot retracted the flaps and applied the brakes. The airplane continued to slide for approximately 1000 feet without decelerating.

Go-Around and Collision

The pilot initiated a go-around, during which the airplane accelerated to 82 miles per hour, according to the pilot. While climbing, the left wing struck a high clump of hedges located at the end of the runway. This caused the airplane to yaw uncontrollably and subsequently collide with the ground.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to or during the accident sequence.

Runway Conditions

The runway surface was described as turf and was wet from precipitation. The pilot did not specify the time of day or any other environmental conditions beyond the light and variable winds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14378. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.