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Casualties unknown

Single-Engine Aircraft Veers Left on Landing, Strikes Tree After Wheel Hits Soft Mud (N8124H)

Marietta, OK, US

On April 5, 1998, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8124H) operated by Texas Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft. 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

During a soft field landing on runway 17, the aircraft touched down left of centerline, veered left, and the left main wheel contacted soft mud, causing the wing to strike a tree.

Landing Configuration

The pilot configured the airplane for a soft field landing with full flaps and an airspeed of 55 knots on runway 17.

Touchdown and Veer

The airplane touched down to the left of the runway centerline. During the landing roll, it veered to the left. The left main wheel subsequently encountered soft mud.

Wing Strike

Following the left wheel contacting soft mud, the wing struck a tree.

Pilot-Reported Winds

The pilot reported wind conditions as 150 degrees at 10 knots.

Pilot Experience

The pilot's total flight time was 112.8 hours, of which 11.7 hours were in the accident airplane make and model.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 1998 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Marietta, OK?

During a soft field landing on runway 17, the aircraft touched down left of centerline, veered left, and the left main wheel contacted soft mud, causing the wing to strike a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8124H, operated by Texas Flying Club, at Marietta, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor was the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09852. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.