Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Ground Loop After Floated Landing on Turf Runway (N5801P)

Greencastle, PA, US

On July 31, 1999, a Piper PA24-250 (registration N5801P) operated by Claude J. Heffner was involved in an aviation accident near Greencastle, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgement of speed and distance during the approach and his failure to perform a go around. 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

During approach to an 1,800-foot turf runway, the airplane floated and landed with poor braking. The pilot intentionally ground-looped to avoid trees, resulting in left main landing gear collapse and wing contact.

Accident Summary

The pilot reported that during approach to an 1,800-foot long turf runway, the airplane floated approximately 1,000 feet down the runway after power was reduced. The pilot then retracted the flaps and the airplane touched down. Braking action was described as poor, and as the airplane approached trees at the end of the runway, the pilot intentionally ground-looped the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

During the ground loop, the airplane's left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing contacted the runway surface. No mechanical malfunctions of the airframe or engine were reported by the pilot.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that after the extended float, he retracted the flaps and attempted to stop using brakes. Upon realizing the airplane would not stop before the trees, he executed a ground loop to avoid a collision with the trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19353. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.