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Casualties unknown

Local Flight Ends with Runway Excursion on Wet Grass (N612FL)

Sodus, NY, US

On August 3, 1996, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N612FL) was involved in an aviation accident near Sodus, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in insufficient runway to stop the airplane, and the subsequent overrun. Factors in the accident were the wet grass runway surface, and the pilot's lack of recent flying experience. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and passenger on a local flight from a private airstrip experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet grass surface, striking trees at the end of the runway.

Flight and Landing

The pilot and passenger conducted a local flight from a private airstrip and returned to land. During the final approach to the north runway, the pilot observed rain on the windshield. The aircraft flared high and touched down approximately halfway down the 2,200-foot wet grass runway.

Runway Excursion

After touchdown, the airplane skidded on the wet grass and was unable to stop before the end of the runway. It ran off the end and struck trees.

Wind Conditions

Winds reported at an airport approximately 35 miles west of the private strip were from 190 degrees at 4 knots.

Pilot Information

The pilot obtained his private pilot certificate in 1983. After a 13-year lapse in flying, he had accumulated about 7 hours of flight time during the previous 90 days, with 1 hour in the past 30 days. His estimated total flight experience was 64 hours, including 15 hours as pilot-in-command.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Aug 1996 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Sodus, NY?

A pilot and passenger on a local flight from a private airstrip experienced a runway excursion after landing on a wet grass surface, striking trees at the end of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N612FL, at Sodus, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in insufficient runway to stop the airplane, and the subsequent overrun. Factors in the accident were the wet grass runway surface, and the pilot's lack of recent flying experience.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06600. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.