Casualties unknown

Nighttime Go-Around Results in Tree Impact at Runway End (N625EE)

Flushing, MI, US

On May 18, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N625EE) was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to maintain excessive altitude on final approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent impact with trees during an aborted landing attempt. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted a go-around after touching down too far down the runway during a night approach, but the aircraft struck trees beyond the departure end.

What happened

The flight was conducted under visual flight rules during nighttime conditions. The pilot elected to maintain an unusually high altitude on the final approach segment, citing the presence of trees located at the far end of the runway as the primary motivation for this decision. This technique resulted in a floaty approach profile that extended the landing roll significantly.

Upon touchdown, it became apparent that the aircraft had landed well past the normal touchdown zone and was rapidly approaching the departure end of the paved surface. Recognizing the imminent danger of overrunning the runway, the pilot immediately initiated an aborted landing procedure to regain lift and climb away from the ground.

Despite the prompt application of power and control inputs, the aircraft failed to achieve a safe climb gradient. Instead, it impacted trees situated just beyond the departure end of the runway. The collision with the vegetation terminated the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to maintain excessive altitude on final approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent impact with trees during an aborted landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Flushing, MI?

A pilot attempted a go-around after touching down too far down the runway during a night approach, but the aircraft struck trees beyond the departure end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N625EE, at Flushing, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to maintain excessive altitude on final approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent impact with trees during an aborted landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07875. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.