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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Fence During Night Short Field Landing Practice at PNE (N2932X)

Philadelphia, PA, US

On December 16, 1997, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2932X) operated by Rao Chundu was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper distance and altitude during approach which resulted in an undershoot and collision with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While practicing short field night landings at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, an airplane hit a fence approximately 950 feet from the approach end of runway 24 during its 12th landing. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting short field night landing practice at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), specifically on runway 24. This runway is 7,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, and its surface is asphalt. During the 12th landing, the airplane impacted a fence. The fence was situated about 950 feet from the approach end of the runway. After the collision, the airplane came to rest adjacent to the right side of the runway.

Post-Accident Inspection

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector performed an examination of the aircraft wreckage. The inspection found no indication of any mechanical malfunction. The pilot also did not report any mechanical issues.

Weather Data

The wind conditions at the airport were reported as 230 degrees at 8 knots.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1997 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Philadelphia, PA?

While practicing short field night landings at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, an airplane hit a fence approximately 950 feet from the approach end of runway 24 during its 12th landing. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2932X, operated by Rao Chundu, at Philadelphia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper distance and altitude during approach which resulted in an undershoot and collision with a fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09366. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.