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Casualties unknown

Pilot Strikes Barricade and Gravel After Landing on NOTAM'd Closed Runway (N407SA)

Greenville, ME, US

On October 3, 1999, a Piper PA-60-700P (registration N407SA) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his inadequate visual lookout. 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

After canceling IFR at 6,000 feet MSL and making a visual approach to a closed runway, the airplane struck a lighted barricade and a gravel pile. The pilot later realized he may not have fully reviewed NOTAMS.

Accident Details

The pilot canceled the IFR flight plan after entering visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at 6,000 feet MSL. A straight-in visual approach was made to Runway 14, which had been closed per a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). During the landing roll, the airplane struck a lighted barricade, and the left wing contacted a pile of gravel measuring 5 to 6 feet in height. The gravel pile was located approximately 3,100 feet beyond the approach end of the runway.

Pilot's Statement

Following the accident, the pilot re-checked the NOTAMS for the airport and observed the closure notice for Runway 14. The pilot stated that it was possible he had not scrolled all the way down the computer screen when initially checking the NOTAMS before the flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.