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NTSB Report
September 17, 1997 · Piper PA-32R-300 · N2680Q
Fargo, ND
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 17, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fargo, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-300
Tail Number
N2680Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA294
The airplane touched down prior to the approach end of the runway. The end of the runway was approximately five inches higher than the surrounding terrain on which the airplane touched down. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the landing gear contacted the lip at the end of the runway.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance to the runway, while on final approach to land, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway during the landing. The exposed runway lip was a related factor.
Full Narrative
On September 17, 1997, at 1310 central daylight time, a Piper PA- 32R-300, N2680Q, operated by a commercial pilot landed short of runway 26 at the Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Pipestone, Minnesota, on September 17, 1997, at 1200 central daylight time. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down in the grass one foot short of the approach end of runway 26. He reported that the center of the end of the runway is five inches higher than the grass. According to the pilot the main landing gear was damaged when it contacted this rise at the beginning of the runway.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:10 CDT
Nearest AirportHector International (0nm)
Runway26
Runway Length4387 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-300
Tail NumberN2680Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC