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Casualties unknown

Passenger Illness Leads to Overrun After Expedited Approach (N2406U)

Centre Hall, PA, US

On September 2, 1993, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2406U) operated by Air Atlantic Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Centre Hall, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT RESULTNG IN THE AIRPLANE EXITING THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDING WITH THE BERM. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE LOCATION OF THE BERM. 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

A pilot and three passengers were on a local sightseeing flight when a passenger became ill. The pilot expedited the approach, touched down midfield, and overran the runway, striking an embankment.

Incident Overview

A pilot and three passengers were conducting a local sightseeing flight. During the return to the airport, one of the passengers in the rear seat became ill. The pilot reported that he expedited the approach by reducing engine power to idle and commencing a descent of approximately 1,000 feet per minute while on the downwind leg.

Landing and Overrun

The airplane touched down midfield. The pilot stated that he was unable to stop the airplane in time to avoid an embankment (berm) at the end of the runway. The airplane struck the embankment and came to rest about 60 feet from the end of the runway.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Injuries and Damage

The source does not provide information on injuries to occupants or damage to the aircraft.

Runway excursion

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Sept 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Centre Hall, PA?

A pilot and three passengers were on a local sightseeing flight when a passenger became ill. The pilot expedited the approach, touched down midfield, and overran the runway, striking an embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Sept 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2406U, operated by Air Atlantic Airlines, at Centre Hall, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT RESULTNG IN THE AIRPLANE EXITING THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDING WITH THE BERM. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE LOCATION OF THE BERM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.