No fatalities

Landing Short on Grass Strip Results in Gear and Wing Damage

Pocasset, OK, United States

On December 9, 2017, a PIPER PA28 235 was involved in an aviation accident near Pocasset, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper approach path, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the 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 reported that during landing on a private grass airstrip, the airplane landed short, struck a tall grass-covered berm, shearing off the right main gear leg, which then struck the right wing, causing substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported an accident during a landing attempt on a private grass airstrip. The airplane landed short of the intended runway and struck a berm that was obscured by tall grass. The impact caused the right main landing gear leg to shear off, and the detached leg subsequently struck the right wing.

Pilot's Report

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not specify any other contributing factors.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. No other damage items were mentioned in the report.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 2017 PIPER PA28 235 accident near Pocasset, OK?

A pilot reported that during landing on a private grass airstrip, the airplane landed short, struck a tall grass-covered berm, shearing off the right main gear leg, which then struck the right wing, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Dec 2017 PIPER PA28 235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 2017 involved a PIPER PA28 235, at Pocasset, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper approach path, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway.