No fatalities

Airplane Overruns Runway on Landing, Landing Gear Collapses (N4174Z)

Gualala, CA, US

On June 3, 2006, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N4174Z) operated by Ezra Howington was involved in an aviation accident near Gualala, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudged distance and speed, which resulted in a runway overrun. A contributing factor was the hump in the runway. 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 overran the departure end of a 2,500-foot runway during landing, causing the landing gear to collapse. A hump in the middle of the runway reduced landing visibility.

Incident Overview

An airplane overran the departure end of a 2,500-foot runway during landing. The landing gear collapsed as a result of the overrun. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Runway Conditions

The runway featured a hump in its middle section. According to the pilot, this hump decreased visibility during the landing approach, making it difficult to assess the remaining runway length.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that when he realized he needed to perform a go-around, he did not have sufficient runway available to safely execute the procedure. He further noted that the aircraft experienced no mechanical issues throughout the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jun 2006 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Gualala, CA?

An airplane overran the departure end of a 2,500-foot runway during landing, causing the landing gear to collapse. A hump in the middle of the runway reduced landing visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jun 2006 Piper PA-32R-301T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N4174Z, operated by Ezra Howington, at Gualala, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's misjudged distance and speed, which resulted in a runway overrun. A contributing factor was the hump in the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060707X00893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.