Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Bushes Short of Runway, Noses Over During Landing (N2946P)

Chester, NH, US

On May 3, 1996, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N2946P) was involved in an aviation accident near Chester, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance and altitude during final approach. 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 collided with bushes short of the runway and nosed over during landing. The pilot did not recall the accident; the passenger reported observing the bushes just before impact. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Accident Sequence

During the landing approach, the airplane collided with bushes located short of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to nosed over. The pilot, who was operating the flight, did not recall the events leading up to the accident. The passenger stated that while on final approach, he was observing the surrounding terrain. When he looked forward, he saw bushes that the airplane subsequently struck. The passenger noted that no attempts were made by the pilot to add power during the approach, and there were no indications of any malfunctions with the airplane prior to impact.

Investigation Findings

An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. During the inspection, an undetermined amount of fuel was observed in the airplane and in the carburetor bowl. The presence of fuel indicated that the engine was likely operating at the time of impact. No other anomalies were identified during the wreckage examination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05847. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.