Casualties unknown

Pilot Fatally Injured in Runway Overrun and Post-Impact Fire (N500KW)

Eureka Springs, AR, US

On January 12, 2005, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N500KW) was involved in an aviation accident near Eureka Springs, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged his distance/speed which resulted in the overrun and subsequent impact with trees. The wet turf runway and the trees were factors in the accident. 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

A pilot was fatally injured when the airplane overran a wet turf runway, struck trees, and burned. A witness reported a fast approach and low ceiling with rain.

Accident Summary

The airplane was destroyed when it overran the runway during landing, impacted trees, and subsequently burned. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Witness Report

A witness reported that the airplane entered the private airstrip at a very high speed. The weather at the time consisted of a low ceiling, rain, and misting rain.

Examination Findings

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact anomalies. Evidence of heavy braking and sliding of the tires on the wet, turf runway was observed leading to the main wreckage.

Runway and Performance Details

Tire marks indicated that the airplane touched down with 1,523 feet of runway remaining. The total runway length was 1,981 feet. For an aircraft weight of 4,000 pounds, the dry runway landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle with no wind was determined to be about 1,400 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050121X00091. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.