Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Go-Around After Long Landing (N4337P)

Gardner, MA, US

On July 14, 2007, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N4337P) was involved in an aviation accident near Gardner, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control during the go-around following a long and fast landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a landing due to excessive speed and distance, but lost control during the subsequent climb-out, resulting in a collision with trees near the runway end.

What happened

The flight was proceeding normally until the approach phase. Upon reaching the runway threshold, the pilot determined that the aircraft had touched down too far down the runway and at an excessive airspeed. Recognizing the insufficient remaining runway distance to stop safely, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to abort the landing.

During the initial climb-out phase, the aircraft became difficult to control. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control or attitude, leading to a loss of control situation. The airplane subsequently departed the controlled flight path and impacted a line of trees situated near the departure end of the runway.

The investigation

A physical examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the condition of the aircraft prior to the impact. The inspection revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures in any of the critical systems that would have contributed to the accident. Furthermore, the pilot did not report any mechanical issues or system failures to investigators during post-accident interviews.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's decision-making process regarding the landing approach and the subsequent go-around. The initial touchdown occurred at a position and speed that made a safe stop on the available runway impossible. While aborting the landing was the correct procedural response to the long and fast touchdown, the execution of the climb-out resulted in a loss of control. The lack of mechanical failure suggests the incident was likely due to pilot technique or situational awareness during the critical low-altitude maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during the go-around following a long and fast landing.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 2007 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Gardner, MA?

A pilot aborted a landing due to excessive speed and distance, but lost control during the subsequent climb-out, resulting in a collision with trees near the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N4337P, at Gardner, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of control during the go-around following a long and fast landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070803X01098. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.