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NTSB Report
October 28, 1994 · Piper PA-32-300 · N81478
Pillow, PA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 28, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Pillow, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N81478
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC95LA018
UPON TOUCHDOWN ON THE GRASS RUNWAY, THE PILOT APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE AIRPLANE SKIDDED OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY, DOWN A STEEP BANK INTO A WOODED AREA. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES AND THE WINGS SEPARATED. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S STATEMENT, 'RUNWAY WAS FROST COVERED GRASS. BRAKES OPERATED CORRECTLY, NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.'
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point on a grass runway covered with frost, which resulted in inadequate braking, and runway overrun.
Full Narrative
On October 28, 1994, at 1015 eastern daylight time, a Piper, PA-32-300, N81478, owned and piloted by Clayton Heckler, was substantially damaged during a landing at a private grass strip near Pillow, Pennsylvania. The pilot, and the 1 passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot's written statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2: Upon touch down on runway, applied brakes, skidded off end of runway, down a steep bank into woods. Wings were removed by trees. Plane fell on right side. Runway was frost covered grass. Brakes operated correctly, no mechanical malfunction.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 EDT
Nearest AirportFlying Eagle (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN81478
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:50
Weather SourceWFAC