Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Utility Pole After Landing Overrun on Grass Strip (N8438B)

Bourbon, IN, US

On February 28, 2004, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N8438B) was involved in an aviation accident near Bourbon, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate annual inspection in that the worn brake disks were not replaced which resulted in diminished braking capability during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the utility pole that the airplane contacted. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane overran a 1,280-foot damp grass airstrip, crossed a road, and hit a utility pole after the pilot reported minimal braking. Post-accident examination revealed worn brake disks with only 20% pad contact.

Landing and Overrun

The airplane touched down on a 1,280-foot long, damp, upsloping grass airstrip. The pilot reported that he had the throttle at idle, performed a full stall with full flaps, and experienced difficulty slowing the airplane. He applied what he described as "stand-on-the-brakes emergency stopping pressure," but only minimal braking was achieved.

Path After Departure

The aircraft continued off the end of the airstrip, crossed a country road, and came to rest on a concrete driveway. The left wing contacted a utility pole, causing the airplane to rotate 90 degrees before stopping.

Tire Marks and Touchdown Points

Tire marks on the grass indicated that the right main gear touched down 272 feet past the runway threshold, followed by the left main gear 42 feet later. The airplane traveled 30 feet 6 inches beyond the departure end of the airstrip before striking the pole. The pilot noted that while tire marks were visible on the strip, skid marks were only present after the airplane spun around following the pole contact.

Aircraft History and Brake Condition

The pilot purchased the airplane on October 1, 2003. The last annual inspection was dated September 27, 2003, during which new brake linings were installed. The pilot reported flying the airplane for 46 hours prior to the accident without any previous brake problems. Examination of the brake system revealed that the brake disks were worn concave, and only 20 percent of the brake pads were in contact with the disks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040302X00253. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.