No fatalities

Private Pilot's Landing Gear Struck Ditch During Landing Roll on Remote Airstrip (N3948W)

Chenega Bay, AK, US

On September 21, 2007, a Piper PA-32 (registration N3948W) operated by James L. Lawler was involved in an aviation accident near Chenega Bay, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landing on a remote gravel airstrip struck a ditch extending 20 feet into the runway, causing the left main landing gear to be torn off and the airplane to slide into trees, resulting in structural damage.

Accident Overview

A private certificated pilot was conducting a cross-country personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The flight concluded with a landing toward the south on a remote airstrip. The airstrip had a gravel surface measuring approximately 1,000 feet in length and 50 feet in width.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll, the left main landing gear encountered a ditch that extended about 20 feet into the runway area. The impact with the ditch resulted in the left main landing gear being torn off the aircraft. Subsequently, the airplane slid into an area of trees.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained structural damage to the wings and fuselage as a result of the collision with the trees. No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Probable Cause

The source did not provide a probable cause for the accident.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Sept 2007 Piper PA-32 accident near Chenega Bay, AK?

A private pilot landing on a remote gravel airstrip struck a ditch extending 20 feet into the runway, causing the left main landing gear to be torn off and the airplane to slide into trees, resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Sept 2007 Piper PA-32 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Sept 2007 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N3948W, operated by James L. Lawler, at Chenega Bay, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071101X01702. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.