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Aircraft Undershoots Runway During Landing, Impacts Snowbank (N2258M)

Carroll, IA, US

On February 16, 2004, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2258M) operated by Gerald L. Clausen. was involved in an aviation accident near Carroll, IA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance, and his inadequate remedial action which resulted in the failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway. A factor was the snow covered terrain which was encountered by the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was substantially damaged after undershooting the runway during landing, impacting a snowbank, and collapsing the nose gear. The pilot reported insufficient power to prevent the impact. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview

An airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing when it undershot the runway, according to the pilot's report. The aircraft impacted a snowbank approximately 35 feet short of the runway threshold and 535 feet short of the displaced threshold before sliding onto the runway and coming to rest.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that during the third landing attempt, he noticed the airspeed was at 70 knots and subsequently added power. However, the added power was not enough to prevent the airplane from contacting the ground short of the runway.

Sequence of Events

Upon ground contact, the nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the ground and runway surface. The airplane then skidded to a stop. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury.

Damage Assessment

The airplane was substantially damaged as a result of the impact and subsequent slide. No injuries were reported among the occupants.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 2004 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Carroll, IA?

An airplane was substantially damaged after undershooting the runway during landing, impacting a snowbank, and collapsing the nose gear. The pilot reported insufficient power to prevent the impact. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 2004 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2258M, operated by Gerald L. Clausen., at Carroll, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance, and his inadequate remedial action which resulted in the failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway. A factor was the snow covered terrain which was encountered by the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040218X00201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.