FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tree Strike During Night Departure from Unlighted Turf Runway (N8463X)

Harpswell, ME, US

On January 9, 2000, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8463X) was involved in an aviation accident near Harpswell, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: was the improper decision of the pilot to depart at night, from an unlighted runway with no visual references to obstructions on the sides of the runway. Factors were the dark night conditions, and the lack of runway side lights. 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

During a night takeoff from an unlighted turf runway, the right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway. The pilot continued the climb and later landed at a nearby airport, where damage was found to the landing gear and stabilator.

Departure

The pilot initiated a departure from runway 32, which was an unlighted turf runway, on a dark night. Upon rotation, the pilot lost sight of the trees on the sides of the runway and the runway ahead. The right wing of the airplane struck trees on the right side of the runway before reaching the departure end. Despite the collision, the pilot continued the takeoff and climbed to altitude.

The pilot reported uncertainty about whether the wind drifted the airplane to the right or if a slight right turn was initiated. Winds in the area were reported from 210 to 220 degrees at 10 to 14 knots.

Examination

After landing at a nearby airport, an examination of the airplane revealed that the right main landing gear was bent rearward, and the spar of the right horizontal stabilator had also been bent rearward.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jan 2000 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Harpswell, ME?

During a night takeoff from an unlighted turf runway, the right wing struck trees on the right side of the runway. The pilot continued the climb and later landed at a nearby airport, where damage was found to the landing gear and stabilator.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 2000 Piper PA-32R-301T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jan 2000 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8463X, at Harpswell, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

was the improper decision of the pilot to depart at night, from an unlighted runway with no visual references to obstructions on the sides of the runway. Factors were the dark night conditions, and the lack of runway side lights.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20425. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.