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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Tree Short of Runway During Final Approach (N8730E)

Indian Head, MD, US

On April 27, 2005, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8730E) was involved in an aviation accident near Indian Head, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance while on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor in this accident was the gusty wind conditions. 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

The pilot of an airplane on final approach to runway 36 reported a sudden unexpected descent, applied full power, but the right wing struck a tree before impacting the ground about 100-150 feet short of the runway.

Incident Overview

During a final approach to runway 36, a 3,000-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway, the pilot experienced a "sudden unexpected descent." In response, he applied full engine power. However, the right wing of the airplane struck a tree, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground approximately 100 to 150 feet short of the runway.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane following the incident did not reveal any pre-impact malfunctions. The aircraft appeared to have been in normal operating condition prior to the event.

Weather Information

Weather conditions reported around the time of the accident, from an airport located about 10 miles northwest of the accident site, indicated winds from 330 degrees at 9 knots with gusts to 14 knots.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Apr 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Indian Head, MD?

The pilot of an airplane on final approach to runway 36 reported a sudden unexpected descent, applied full power, but the right wing struck a tree before impacting the ground about 100-150 feet short of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Apr 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8730E, at Indian Head, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance while on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. A factor in this accident was the gusty wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050524X00658. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.