Runway Overrun at High Elevation Turf Runway

Casualties unknown • Big Creek, ID, US

An aircraft overran the departure end of a turf runway and veered down an embankment following an insufficient deceleration during landing.

What happened

During the landing phase, the pilot of the aircraft landed approximately one-quarter of the way down the 3,550-foot runway. The pilot reported that heavy braking was not applied until the aircraft had passed the midfield point of the runway. Consequently, the deceleration was insufficient to prevent the aircraft from overrunning the departure end of the runway. After exiting the runway, the aircraft veered down an embankment.

The airport is situated at an elevation of 5,743 feet mean sea level. While a bystander reported experiencing a strong northerly wind during the pilot's approach to runway 01, the pilot noted that both windsocks indicated calm conditions upon arrival at the airport.

The investigation

Investigators identified approximately 1,100 feet of heavy braking evidence on the surface of the turf runway. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions had occurred with the aircraft during the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to apply sufficient braking in a timely manner to stop the aircraft before the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-08-04 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Big Creek, ID?

An aircraft overran the departure end of a turf runway and veered down an embankment following an insufficient deceleration during landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-08-04 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N9356K, at Big Creek, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to apply sufficient braking in a timely manner to stop the aircraft before the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070908X01337. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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