On September 19, 1998, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N33321) was involved in an aviation accident near Whidbey Airpark, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach on a wet runway, which resulted in an overrun beyond the runway end and subsequent impact with vegetation. 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.
A pilot canceled an IFR flight plan to proceed VFR but exceeded airspeed on final approach to a wet runway, resulting in an overrun into vegetation after touchdown.
What happened
The aircraft arrived in the vicinity of the airport, at which point the pilot canceled her instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and continued under visual flight rules (VFR). During the final approach phase to a runway with a length of 2,400 feet, the surface was wet. The pilot allowed the airspeed to become excessive as she prepared for landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining available distance of the runway.
After leaving the paved surface, the aircraft continued forward and impacted high vegetation. The impact involved thick berry briar located near the runway environment.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach on a wet runway, which resulted in an overrun beyond the runway end and subsequent impact with vegetation.
What happened in the 19 Sept 1998 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Whidbey Airpark, WA?
A pilot canceled an IFR flight plan to proceed VFR but exceeded airspeed on final approach to a wet runway, resulting in an overrun into vegetation after touchdown.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Sept 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N33321, at Whidbey Airpark, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach on a wet runway, which resulted in an overrun beyond the runway end and subsequent impact with vegetation.
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