Casualties unknown

Night Landing Overrun Ends with Airplane in Swamp (N8139C)

Frankfort, NY, US

On June 28, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N8139C) operated by Larry C. Schoene was involved in an aviation accident near Frankfort, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. A factor in the accident was the night light condition. 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

During a night landing flare, the airplane floated and touched down long on a 2,550-foot runway. The pilot did not go around, and the airplane departed the runway, descended a 60-foot embankment into a swamp.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a night approach to a paved, lighted runway reported that the approach was normal and that there was no indication of any problem. The runway length was 2,550 feet.

Landing Sequence

During the landing flare, the airplane floated and touched down beyond the intended touchdown point, resulting in a long landing. The pilot stated that he did not have sufficient runway remaining to execute a go-around.

Departure from Runway

After touching down long, the airplane continued past the end of the runway. It then traveled down a 60-foot embankment and came to rest in a swamp adjacent to the airport.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that the approach was normal and that he felt no reason to believe anything was wrong until the landing roll exceeded the available runway. The decision not to go around was based on the perceived lack of runway remaining.

(Note: This article is based solely on the information provided in the source. No additional details about the aircraft, occupants, injuries, or damage were included, as they were not specified.)

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1997 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Frankfort, NY?

During a night landing flare, the airplane floated and touched down long on a 2,550-foot runway. The pilot did not go around, and the airplane departed the runway, descended a 60-foot embankment into a swamp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1997 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N8139C, operated by Larry C. Schoene, at Frankfort, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed on final approach, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. A factor in the accident was the night light condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08234. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.