On August 31, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N557FL) was involved in an aviation accident near Gardiner, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. A related factor is the pilot's misjudgment of speed and altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach, a high and fast pilot landed long on a 2,400-foot runway, became airborne again, struck a wire, clipped a tree, and cartwheeled. No mechanical issues reported.
Event Summary
During the final approach, the pilot was too high and fast but continued the landing attempt on a 2,400-foot runway with full flaps deployed. Witnesses reported that the airplane touched down at midfield, and they did not hear engine power being added until the airplane neared the end of the runway. The airplane then became airborne and struck a wire at the departure end of the runway. Subsequently, the right wing clipped a tree, causing the aircraft to cartwheel to the ground.
Investigation Details
The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the engine or airframe. No other contributing factors were identified in the source material.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Aug 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Gardiner, NY?
During final approach, a high and fast pilot landed long on a 2,400-foot runway, became airborne again, struck a wire, clipped a tree, and cartwheeled. No mechanical issues reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Aug 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N557FL, at Gardiner, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to initiate a go-around. A related factor is the pilot's misjudgment of speed and altitude.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…