Casualties unknown

1999-05-20: Piper PA-28R-201T (N6558C) — Taylor, TX

Taylor, TX, US

On May 20, 1999, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N6558C) was involved in an aviation accident near Taylor, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path, which resulted in a collision with a wire. A factor was the dark night condition. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing, a pilot overcompensated on approach, struck a wire, lost engine power, and landed in a corn field short of the runway.

Incident Details

According to the pilot's account, he was conducting a night landing to a runway. On his tenth approach, he perceived the approach to be too high and decided to abort and attempt another landing. During the subsequent approach, he overcorrected and descended below the intended glide path.

Collision and Engine Failure

As the aircraft descended below the glide slope, it struck a wire. The wire became wrapped around the propeller, leading to a loss of engine power. The aircraft then touched down in a corn field located an estimated 200 to 300 feet short of the runway threshold.

Post-Impact Motion

Following touchdown, the wire exerted a force that yanked the aircraft to the left. The airplane came to rest in an upright position, oriented 90 degrees from the direction of the approach.

Final State

The aircraft ended its landing roll in the corn field, with no further movement. The pilot did not report any injuries, and no damage assessment is provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18770. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.