What happened
On July 30, 2025, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N961DA, was involved in an accident near Block Island, Rhode Island. The flight, operated under Part 91 for personal use, departed Albany International Airport (ALB) for Block Island State Airport (BID) with two passengers.
While approaching runway 10, the pilot performed two go-arounds. The first was initiated after observing another aircraft departing runway 28. The second occurred when the pilot turned from the downwind leg to the final approach leg too close to the runway. On the third approach, the aircraft touched down with full flaps approximately 1,500 feet down the 2,500-foot runway. As the pilot applied the brakes, a gust of wind caused the right wing to lift. With insufficient runway remaining to perform another go-around, the aircraft overran the runway and struck trees.
Preliminary ADS-B data showed the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 104 knots groundspeed and touched down at 83 knots. The aircraft exited the runway at 73 knots and was recorded approximately 55 feet from the end of the overrun area at 70 knots. The aircraft eventually came to rest inverted about 640 feet east of the departure end of runway 10.
The accident resulted in 1 fatality, 1 serious injury, and 1 minor injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the following:
- The first point of impact was a tree canopy approximately 50 feet above ground level.
- The wreckage path was approximately 173 feet long, with vegetation staining consistent with fuel exposure.
- Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all control surfaces, and the flaps were positioned at 40 degrees.
- The left wing was partially separated from the fuselage, and both fuel tanks were breached by impact forces.
- The engine remained attached to the engine mount, and both magnetos produced spark during hand rotation. Compression and suction were obtained on all four cylinders.
- The propeller remained attached to the engine, though both blades showed leading-edge damage and chordwise abrasion.