Casualties unknown

Pilot Strikes Fence During Landing on Unmarked Grass Runway (N881T)

Jefferson, TX, US

On October 24, 1996, a Beech S35 (registration N881T) was involved in an aviation accident near Jefferson, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to maintain clearance from the fence. A factor was the fence post. 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 an approach to a private grass airport, the pilot circled twice to survey the landing area. The runway was unmarked and had an upslope. During landing, the left wing struck a fence, separating from the airplane.

Approach and Landing

On the arrival approach to a private sod/grass airport, the pilot circled the field twice to survey the landing area. The pilot observed that the entire grass field, including the runway, had been mowed, but the runway was not marked. Trees were present at the approach end of the runway, and an upslope of 25 degrees was noted for the landing threshold.

The Accident

During the landing roll, which occurred left of the centerline of the sod/grass runway, the left wing struck a fence and a steel corner post. The impact caused the wing to separate from the airplane. The pilot reported that he did not see the fence, which was parallel to runway 25. Runway 25 is described as 3,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.

Pilot Observation

The pilot's pre-landing survey included circling the field twice, but the fence parallel to the runway was not observed. The unmarked runway and the upslope at the threshold may have contributed to the pilot's difficulty in identifying the obstacle. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft, occupants, or outcome of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.