No fatalities

Runway Excursion on Wet Grass Results in Wing Strike

Arcadia, NY, United States

On May 4, 2013, a CESSNA 182G operated by Earl Martin was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to continue a high approach with a tailwind, rather than perform a go-around, which resulted in an overrun on a wet, down-sloping, grassy runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed long on a wet, down-sloping turf runway, then veered off the end and struck a power line pole with the right wing, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

A pilot was attempting to land on a 2,800-foot long turf runway. The planned landing direction was to the north due to obstacles present for a southerly landing. The aircraft approached with an approximately 5-knot tailwind, though the pilot stated that the wind was not a factor. During final approach, the airplane was slightly high. During the flare, the aircraft floated longer than the pilot expected. The pilot opted not to perform a go-around because of power lines at the departure end of the runway.

Pilot's Account

The aircraft touched down about halfway down the runway. The pilot believed there was adequate distance remaining to stop; however, the grass was wet and down-sloping. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway, and the pilot veered left in an attempt to avoid power line poles. Despite this, the right wing struck a pole, and the airplane came to rest upright. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. He further stated that he would have executed a go-around sooner if he had known the grass was wet and down-sloping.

Examination

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft and found substantial damage to the right wing.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation