Aircraft excursion following tree strike during night approach

Casualties unknown • Collegeville, PA, US

A pilot flying an aircraft at night struck a tree limb on final approach before impacting a snowbank, leading to a subsequent runway excursion.

What happened

During a night approach on final approach, the Cessna (registration not provided) experienced a right wing strike against one or more limbs of a tree. Following this contact, the pilot continued the approach toward the runway but struck a snowbank approximately 100 feet before the runway threshold. The impact with the snowbank resulted in the shearing off of the aircraft's right landing gear.

In an attempt to assess further obstructions, the pilot applied power and continued down the runway. The pilot then executed a maneuver to return for a landing on the departure end of the runway. Upon touchdown during this second attempt, the aircraft swerved off the right side of the runway and came to rest in the grass. No injuries were reported.

Findings

Records from the Northeast U.S. Airport Facility Directory indicate that a tree notation is listed for runway 27 at the airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck tree limbs during a night approach and subsequently impacted a snowbank, causing landing gear failure and a subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-02-09 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Collegeville, PA?

A pilot flying an aircraft at night struck a tree limb on final approach before impacting a snowbank, leading to a subsequent runway excursion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-02-09 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N1563X, operated by David Prewitt, at Collegeville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck tree limbs during a night approach and subsequently impacted a snowbank, causing landing gear failure and a subsequent runway excursion.

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.

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