Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Fence During Landing on Wet Grass Strip (N92483)

Leesburg, OH, US

On August 21, 1994, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N92483) was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED DURING LANDING RESULTING IN AN OVERRUN AND COLLISION WITH A FENCE. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE WET RUNWAY. 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

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings on a wet grass strip reported the airplane floated during final approach and, after touchdown, could not stop before striking a fence. Brakes were operational.

Accident Details

A pilot reported an accident while practicing takeoffs and landings at a private grass strip. The strip, 2000 feet long, was wet after a thunderstorm passed through the area earlier. The pilot had completed five normal landings earlier that day.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the takeoff was normal. On final approach to runway 7, the airplane was higher than normal. It floated a short distance before touching down. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but due to the wet grass, was unable to stop in time to avoid striking a fence at the departure end of the runway.

Brake Inspection

An FAA aviation safety inspector examined the airplane after the accident and reported that the brakes were operational. The pilot also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01966. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.