FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Runway Excursion During Go-Around Attempt Damages Airplane (N55930)

Rush City, MN, US

On July 5, 2004, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N55930) was involved in an aviation accident near Rush City, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which led to his loss of aircraft control. Factors were the wind gusts, the ditch, and the fence. 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 was damaged after departing the left side of runway 34, striking a ditch and a fence. The pilot reported a crosswind gust pushed the aircraft left during landing, prompting a go-around attempt that ended in the excursion.

Event

The airplane sustained damage when it exited the left side of runway 34 and subsequently struck a ditch and a barbed wire fence before coming to rest. The incident occurred during a landing attempt.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, moments before touchdown, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left of the runway centerline. In response, the pilot decided to abort the landing and initiate a go-around. As power was added, the airplane touched down and was pulled further to the left, leaving the runway surface. The pilot then reduced power, and the airplane traversed a ditch and a fence before stopping.

Weather

Weather observations at the time recorded the wind as 360 degrees magnetic at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 2004 Piper PA28-140 accident near Rush City, MN?

An airplane was damaged after departing the left side of runway 34, striking a ditch and a fence. The pilot reported a crosswind gust pushed the aircraft left during landing, prompting a go-around attempt that ended in the excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 2004 Piper PA28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 2004 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N55930, at Rush City, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which led to his loss of aircraft control. Factors were the wind gusts, the ditch, and the fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040716X00996. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.