Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overruns Runway and Strikes Trees After Float During Landing (N5704P)

Boone, NC, US

On April 2, 1994, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5704P) was involved in an aviation accident near Boone, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach speed and touchdown point, which resulted in the aircraft floating down the runway, overrunning the pavement, and impacting trees. 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

An airplane attempting to land on a short runway floated past the touchdown zone, overran the pavement, and struck trees before resting on an adjacent golf course.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a landing operation on a runway with limited length. During the final approach, the pilot maintained an indicated airspeed of 85 knots. Upon reaching the runway threshold, the aircraft failed to settle onto the pavement at the intended touchdown point. Instead, the airplane floated along the runway surface for a significant distance.

The aircraft did not make contact with the ground until approximately half of the available runway length had been consumed. Due to the excessive float and reduced remaining distance, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft within the paved area. The airplane continued its forward momentum off the end of the runway.

After leaving the runway environment, the aircraft impacted a line of trees. Following the collision with the vegetation, the airplane came to rest on a golf course located beyond the departure end of Runway 31.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach speed and touchdown point, which resulted in the aircraft floating down the runway, overrunning the pavement, and impacting trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01024. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.