Casualties unknown

Airplane Overruns Runway After Late Touchdown and Landing Gear Collapse (N525WA)

Middlesboro, KY, US

On August 24, 1998, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N525WA) was involved in an aviation accident near Middlesboro, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed, which resulted in runway overrun into a grass area where the gear collapsed. The tailwind was a contributing factor. 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

An airplane touched down on the last 800 feet of a 3,630-foot asphalt runway, overran the end, and its landing gear collapsed on grass. Smoke from tires was observed.

Accident Details

The airplane was landing on runway 10, a 3,630-foot-long asphalt runway. The airplane touched down on approximately the last 800 feet of the runway. As the airplane traveled down the runway, a witness observed smoke emanating from its tires. The airplane went off the end of the runway, traveled onto a grass area where its landing gear collapsed, and slid to a stop.

Tire skid marks were observed about 2,800 feet beyond the runway threshold. The tire marks twisted at the end of the runway before entering the grass area.

Investigation

Examination of the wreckage by an FAA Inspector did not disclose evidence of any pre-impact abnormalities of the airframe or engine. Winds reported at an airport about 33 miles north-northwest of the accident site were from 230 degrees at 10 knots, with 14 knot gusts.

The aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, and injury status were not specified in the source. No further details regarding the operation or causal factors are available.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 1998 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Middlesboro, KY?

An airplane touched down on the last 800 feet of a 3,630-foot asphalt runway, overran the end, and its landing gear collapsed on grass. Smoke from tires was observed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 1998 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N525WA, at Middlesboro, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed, which resulted in runway overrun into a grass area where the gear collapsed. The tailwind was a contributing factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10946. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.