Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Flap Misconfiguration During Go-Around on Wet Grass Strip (N9315W)

Sully, IA, US

On June 11, 2000, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9315W) was involved in an aviation accident near Sully, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently applied full flaps during the aborted landing and was not able to gain enough altitude to clear a fence post at the end of the airstrip. 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

A pilot reported touching down long on a wet grass airstrip, then inadvertently extending flaps fully during a go-around; after lift-off, the right wing contacted a fence post.

Incident Overview

According to a report filed by the pilot, the approach to a 2,100-foot wet grass airstrip was complicated by obstacles at the approach end. The pilot stated that he touched down approximately one-third of the way down the runway. Upon landing, he raised the flaps and applied the brakes, but determined that the airplane would not stop within the remaining runway length. He therefore initiated a go-around.

Go-Around and Flap Misconfiguration

The pilot reported that during the go-around, he applied full power and lowered the flaps. However, he inadvertently selected the flaps to the full down position. The pilot kept the airplane on the ground until nearing the end of the runway to avoid stalling after takeoff.

Collision with Obstacle

Just after lift-off, the right wing of the airplane contacted a fence post located near the end of the runway. Following the impact, the airplane came to rest in rough terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jun 2000 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Sully, IA?

A pilot reported touching down long on a wet grass airstrip, then inadvertently extending flaps fully during a go-around; after lift-off, the right wing contacted a fence post.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jun 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9315W, at Sully, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently applied full flaps during the aborted landing and was not able to gain enough altitude to clear a fence post at the end of the airstrip. Factors associated with the accident were the trees at the approach end of the airstrip, the pilot initially landed long, the grass airstrip was wet, and the…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21182. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.