On May 30, 1994, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N44630) operated by Tradewind Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Sonoma, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT AND HIS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO-AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported turbulence on final approach, touched down long, initially attempted a go-around, then aborted it and tried to stop. The airplane overran the 2,340-foot runway with a 237-foot displaced threshold and struck trees.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the final approach, the airplane encountered turbulence. The aircraft touched down long on the runway. The pilot stated that he initially initiated a go-around, but changed his mind during the rollout and attempted to stop the airplane. The airplane subsequently overran the departure end of the runway and collided with trees.
Runway Information
The runway involved in the accident is 2,340 feet in length. Its threshold is displaced by 237 feet. The pilot did not report the extent of damage to the airplane or any other details regarding the collision.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not report his recent flying experience or currency status. However, on a medical certificate application submitted eight months prior to the accident, the pilot reported having 100 hours of total flying experience. No further details about the pilot's qualifications or the aircraft were provided in the investigation source.