On April 26, 1993, a Cessna P337 (registration N9CV) operated by White Knuckle Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Holland, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING DURING THE APPROACH FOR LANDING, RESULTING IN A TOUCHDOWN TOO FAR DOWN THE RUNWAY, AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH OBJECTS OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported wind shear during an approach to a 2,200-foot grass runway, resulting in an inability to stop and a collision with a pole at the departure end.
Incident Details
During an approach to land on Runway 25, the pilot reported that he may have encountered wind shear. The runway was 2,200 feet long and composed of grass. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane on the remaining runway, and the aircraft exited the departure end before colliding with a pole.
Witness Account
A witness, who is a pilot and the owner of the airport, stated that in his opinion the aircraft landed long and at an excessive rate of speed.
Runway Conditions
The runway was dry at the time of the incident. The wind was reported from the southwest at 10 to 15 knots.