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Pilot Diverts Due to Snow, Overruns Runway in Wolfeboro (N8790N)

Wolfeboro, NH, US

On February 28, 1999, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8790N) was involved in an aviation accident near Wolfeboro, NH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to use a preflight briefing service, resulting in an in flight encounter with snow, and subsequent precautionary 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot diverting from snow encountered a runway excursion after landing long, striking a dirt pile. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before departure.

Incident Overview

A pilot departed Alton Bay Seaplane Base, Alton Bay, New Hampshire, without obtaining a weather briefing from a Flight Service Station. While en route to Laconia, New Hampshire, the pilot encountered snow and decided to divert to Lakes Region Airport in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

Landing and Runway Excursion

The pilot landed approximately 1,250 feet beyond the approach end of Runway 30, which has a length of 2,540 feet. After touchdown, the airplane bounced several times, overran the departure end of the runway, and struck a pile of dirt located about 50 feet beyond the runway's end.

Pilot Information

The pilot was not instrument rated.

Investigation Findings

The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the accident.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Feb 1999 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Wolfeboro, NH?

A pilot diverting from snow encountered a runway excursion after landing long, striking a dirt pile. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before departure.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Feb 1999 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Feb 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8790N, at Wolfeboro, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain a proper touchdown point. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to use a preflight briefing service, resulting in an in flight encounter with snow, and subsequent precautionary landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00238. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.