No fatalities

Pilot Reports Runway Overrun After Late Go-Around Decision

Block Island, RI, United States

On June 19, 2016, a PIPER PA32 260 was involved in an aviation accident near Block Island, RI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and the airplane’s subsequent collision with obstacles during an attempted go-around. 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 on final approach observed another aircraft depart from the same runway, continued to land midfield, then attempted a late go-around, striking a fence and guard rail, causing substantial damage.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that while on final approach to a 2,502-foot-long asphalt runway, he noticed another airplane back-taxiing on the runway and subsequently depart. He continued the approach, performed a normal full flaps landing, and touched down approximately midfield. During the rollout, he determined there was insufficient runway remaining to stop and elected to attempt a go-around.

The airplane then struck the airport perimeter fence and a roadway guard rail before impacting terrain. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Pilot Commentary

The pilot reported no pre-accident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that the accident might have been prevented by aborting the landing earlier.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceededPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 2016 PIPER PA32 260 accident near Block Island, RI?

A pilot on final approach observed another aircraft depart from the same runway, continued to land midfield, then attempted a late go-around, striking a fence and guard rail, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jun 2016 PIPER PA32 260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 2016 involved a PIPER PA32 260, at Block Island, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and the airplane’s subsequent collision with obstacles during an attempted go-around.