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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 25, 1994 · Piper PA -28-181 · N11HK

Skowhegan, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Skowhegan, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA -28-181
Tail Number
N11HK
Operator
Paul D Spiro
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA148

The volunteer, Airlife pilot stated that he received a weather briefing. He stated that upon arrival at his destination he overflew the airport and he selected runway 3 as there was some fog in the area, but runway 3 was clear of fog. The pilot reported that on final approach as he passed over the approach end of runway 3 at approximately 30 to 50 feet above the runway, he lost sight of the runway environment. The pilot stated that he increased the power to go-around, but as he started his go-around the runway came into sight again, so he decided to land. The pilot stated that during the landing, he realized that there was not enough runway remaining so he tried to go-around again. During the climb out at about 20 feet above the ground, the airplane struck trees at the departure end and fell to the ground. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to do a go around which resulted in an inflight collision with trees during a delayed aborted landing to avoid a runway overrun.

Full Narrative

On August 25, 1994, at 0635 eastern daylight time, N11HK, a Piper PA 28-181, owned and operated by Paul D. Spiro of Abington, Massachusetts, collided with trees during takeoff at Central Maine Airport of Norridgewock, Maine. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The business flight was operated under 14 CFR 91 and had originated in Norwood, Massachusetts. According to the pilot, he was going to Maine to pick up a patient and take him to Boston, Massachusetts, for treatment. The pilot, a volunteer airlife pilot stated that he overflew the field and selected runway 3 for the landing as that runway was clear of fog. He stated that as the airplane was about 30 to 50 feet above the approach end of the runway, he lost sight of the runway due to the ground fog. The pilot stated that he increased the power to go-around, but as he started his go-around the runway came into sight again, so he decided to land. The pilot stated that during the landing, he realized that there was not enough runway remaining so he tried to go around again. During the climb out at about 20 feet above the ground, the airplane struck trees at the departure end and fell to the ground. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:35 EDT
Nearest AirportCentral Maine Airport (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length3998 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA -28-181
Tail NumberN11HK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPaul D Spiro
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 181
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time10:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data