Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion After Long Landing Ends in Gear Collapse (N8536P)

Jackson, WY, US

On May 1, 1998, a Piper PA-24-400 (registration N8536P) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's error in judgment. 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

A pilot landing long on a 6,299-foot runway failed to stop, blowing a tire and collapsing the left main gear after departing the end. The pilot cited judgment error.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing on a 6,299-foot by 150-foot asphalt runway with a porous friction course overlay, he was "breaking in a new engine" and did not reduce power quickly enough. The aircraft touched down long on Runway 18. The pilot realized he would not be able to stop on the remaining runway and also determined he lacked sufficient speed to abort the landing.

Sequence of Events

Applying heavy braking, the left tire blew out, and the aircraft departed the end of the runway. While traversing a large dip beyond the runway pavement, the left main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft slid to a halt approximately 100 feet beyond the runway end. Airport officials reported finding 1,400 feet of skid marks on the runway.

Circumstances

At the time of the accident, winds were light and variable. The pilot attributed the event to his own error in judgment. He offered a recommendation: "Always land near the threshold, leaving as much runway as possible. Pretty basic."

Damage

The left main landing gear collapsed during the excursion, and the aircraft sustained damage during the slide.

Probable cause

The pilot's error in judgment.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10057. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.