Introduction
On January 12, 2008, at 1500 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, registration N84JC, collided with trees after the pilot landed long and departed the runway at T W Spear Memorial Airport (4AL9) in Lapine, Alabama. The aircraft was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 for personal use. Visual meteorological conditions were present, and no flight plan had been filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Troy Municipal Airport (TOI) in Troy, Alabama, at 1450.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that while approaching the airport, he observed trees approximately 800 feet from the approach end of runway 4. He stated that the trees prompted him to approach at a higher altitude than usual. He then lowered the airplane's nose, increasing airspeed to 110 knots. After reducing power, the pilot landed long, leaving only 800 feet of runway remaining. He indicated that a go-around was not possible, so he applied brakes and steered the aircraft into a thicket of trees.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-32-300, a single-engine general aviation airplane. The pilot held a private pilot certificate. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules with no flight plan filed.
Post-Accident Remarks
The pilot was the sole occupant and reported no injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but the source does not specify which components were damaged. The accident occurred during daylight hours in visual meteorological conditions.
Conclusion
The accident involved a landing long and subsequent runway excursion resulting in a collision with trees at the airport. The source does not assign a probable cause.