Casualties unknown

Hard Landing on Runway 18 Leads to Collision with Fence and Tree (N5632P)

Canton, TX, US

On June 9, 1994, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5632P) was involved in an aviation accident near Canton, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WAS THE UNDERSHOOT OF THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, AND HIS FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND CONDITION. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND. 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

During final approach to Runway 18, a high rate of descent developed. The pilot added power but could not arrest the descent, resulting in a hard landing short of the threshold, fence strike, and subsequent loss of control in crosswind conditions.

Incident Overview

During the final approach segment for Runway 18, the airplane experienced a high rate of descent. The pilot responded by adding engine power in an attempt to reduce the descent rate, but was unable to halt the excessive sink.

Approach and Hard Landing

The airplane touched down hard, landing short of the designated landing threshold. It subsequently collided with a fence located before the runway. After the hard landing and fence strike, the pilot initiated an aborted landing maneuver.

Abort Attempt and Collision

During the abort attempt, the pilot failed to properly compensate for the prevailing crosswind conditions. Control of the airplane was lost, and the right wing impacted a tree situated on the right side of the runway.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind was from 150 degrees at 8 to 10 knots at the time of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01525. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.