On June 1, 2000, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9423T) was involved in an aviation accident near Steens, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor failed to maintain control of the airplane after landing, which resulted in an on ground collision with a tree. Factors in this accident were the flight instructor allowed the student to get too fast and high on the approach. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed long on a 1,400-foot runway, departed the end, and struck trees. The CFI stated he took control but was fast and ran out of runway.
Flight Details
An aircraft was on approach to runway 36, which is 1,400 feet long. A witness reported that the aircraft appeared high and fast during the approach and touched down approximately halfway down the runway. The aircraft continued past the runway end and collided with trees.
Witness and CFI Statements
The flight instructor (CFI) stated that the student pilot was at the controls and had turned onto the base leg. The CFI said, "...I assisted him to final leg he was fast and high. I took over the control [and landed [on the] first 1/3 [of the runway] but I was fast [and] ran out the runway length."
FAA Findings
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilot "landed long" on a short grass field and "failed to stop" the aircraft before impacting trees.