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High Approach and Runway Overrun Following Hangar Obstruction (N42AM)

Stratford, TX, US

On October 19, 1997, a Beech A36TC (registration N42AM) was involved in an aviation accident near Stratford, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath with the airplane resulting in the airplane not touching down at the proper touchdown point on the runway. A factor was the unfavorable winds. 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 made a high approach due to hangars near the runway, touched down long, veered to avoid a ditch, but struck it, collapsing the nose gear and damaging the left wing rear spar.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a landing on runway 4, which is 3,030 feet long. The pilot executed a high approach because several hangars were located near the approach end of the runway. As a result, the airplane touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, the pilot determined that the airplane would not stop before the end of the runway. To avoid a ditch near the runway end, the pilot veered the aircraft to the right. However, the airplane struck the ditch, causing the nose gear to collapse and damaging the left wing's rear spar.

Environmental Conditions

During the approach, winds were from the north at 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots. At the moment of touchdown, the wind shifted to north-northwest.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1997 Beech A36TC accident near Stratford, TX?

A pilot made a high approach due to hangars near the runway, touched down long, veered to avoid a ditch, but struck it, collapsing the nose gear and damaging the left wing rear spar.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 1997 Beech A36TC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1997 involved a Beech A36TC, registration N42AM, at Stratford, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath with the airplane resulting in the airplane not touching down at the proper touchdown point on the runway. A factor was the unfavorable winds.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09018. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.