No fatalities

1 Oct 2017: PIPER PA32R 301T — Block Island, RI

Block Island, RI, United States

On 1 Oct 2017, a PIPER PA32R 301T was involved in an aviation accident near Block Island, RI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's use of an incorrect airspeed during landing, which resulted in a runway overrun. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, an airplane touched down long, the pilot initiated a go-around but overran the runway, struck a chain link fence, and the right wing separated. The pilot reported coming in too fast.

Accident Details

The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane touched down approximately 150 feet beyond the runway numbers. Immediately after touchdown, the pilot removed flaps and applied brakes. However, the pilot was unable to stop the forward momentum of the airplane and believed an overrun was imminent, so he applied full power to initiate a go-around.

Before a climb rate could be established, the airplane overran the runway. During the runway excursion, the airplane struck a chain link fence. The impact caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage. The airplane then rolled inverted down a ravine before coming to rest upright on its main landing gear.

Pilot Report

After the accident, the pilot stated that he believed he came in "too fast" for landing. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotIncorrect use/operationLanding distance — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome