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Night Landing Incident Involving Tree Strike and Snowbank at N10 (N1563X)

Collegeville, PA, US

On February 9, 2004, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N1563X) operated by David Prewitt was involved in an aviation accident near Collegeville, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach to the runway. Factors in the accident were the dark night and snowbank. 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

An airplane struck tree limbs on final approach at night, then hit a snowbank shearing off the right landing gear. After a go-around, the aircraft veered off the runway upon landing.

Event Description

During a night approach, the airplane's right wing struck one or more limbs of a tree. The pilot continued the approach toward the runway, and the aircraft subsequently struck a snowbank located 100 feet before the runway threshold. The impact sheared off the right landing gear.

The pilot then applied power and executed a go-around, flying down the runway to observe further obstructions. After that, the pilot returned to land on the opposite end of the runway (the departure end). During the landing touchdown, the airplane swerved off the right side of the runway and came to rest in the grass.

Airport Information

According to the Northeast U.S. Airport Facility Directory, a "tree" notation is listed for runway 27 at N10.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2004 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Collegeville, PA?

An airplane struck tree limbs on final approach at night, then hit a snowbank shearing off the right landing gear. After a go-around, the aircraft veered off the runway upon landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2004 Piper PA-32-260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2004 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N1563X, operated by David Prewitt, at Collegeville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach to the runway. Factors in the accident were the dark night and snowbank.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040220X00210. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.