Casualties unknown

Single-Engine Airplane Strikes Trees During Go-Around After Long Landing (N99302)

Wooster, AR, US

On January 16, 1998, a Piper PA-18-135 (registration N99302) was involved in an aviation accident near Wooster, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with trees during an aborted landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's delayed decision to abort the long landing. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Two witnesses observed a single-engine airplane land long on a grass pasture, then apply power for a go-around. The aircraft attained a nose-high attitude before impacting 70-foot trees north of the departure end.

Incident Overview

Two eyewitnesses, positioned within 200 meters of the takeoff point, reported observing a single-engine airplane land long on a grass pasture that was being used as a landing area. After a short landing roll, they heard engine power being applied for a go-around.

Sequence of Events

Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft was seen to assume a nose-high attitude. It then impacted the tops of trees that were approximately 70 feet high, located north of the departure end of the landing area. The witnesses stated that the engine sounded normal throughout the event.

Mechanical Findings

No evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction was observed. The investigation did not identify any issues with the aircraft's systems or structure prior to the collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09423. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.