Aircraft Overruns Runway at Departure End

Casualties unknown • Factoryville, PA, US

A pilot overran the departure end of a 2,500-foot runway after touchdown with excessive airspeed and a tailwind.

What happened

The aircraft landed on a 2,500-foot runway with a tailwind, touching down between one-third and halfway down the runway length. Although the pilot applied the brakes immediately upon touchdown, the airplane could not be stopped within the remaining distance and overran the departure end of the runway.

The pilot reported that the airspeed at the time of touchdown was excessive. While the pilot noted that there was an opportunity to abort the landing prior to touchdown, the decision was made to continue the landing with the brakes applied.

There were no injuries reported in the event. The pilot had a total of 173 hours of flight experience, including 139 hours in this specific make and model.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite excessive airspeed and a tailwind, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the runway departure end.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-05-04 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Factoryville, PA?

A pilot overran the departure end of a 2,500-foot runway after touchdown with excessive airspeed and a tailwind.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-05-04 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N434DJ, at Factoryville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the landing despite excessive airspeed and a tailwind, resulting in the aircraft overrunning the runway departure end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010514X00933. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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