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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 19, 2016 · Piper PA32 260 · N44255

Block Island, RI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Block Island, RI
Aircraft
Piper PA32 260 (1974)
Tail Number
N44255
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA16CA218

According to the pilot, while on final approach to land on a 2,502-ft-long, asphalt runway, he observed another airplane back-taxiing on the runway and then depart. He continued the approach, performed a "normal" full-flaps landing, and the airplane touched down about midfield. During the rollout, he determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to stop and chose to attempt a go-around. The airplane subsequently struck the airport perimeter fence and then a roadway guard rail before it impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that the accident might have been prevented by aborting the landing earlier.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point and the airplane’s subsequent collision with obstacles during an attempted go-around.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, while on final approach to land on a 2,502-foot-long, asphalt runway, he observed another airplane back-taxiing on the runway and then depart. He continued the approach, performed a "normal" full flaps landing, and the airplane touched down about midfield. During the rollout, he determined that there was insufficient runway remaining to stop, and chose to attempt a go-around. The airplane subsequently struck the airport perimeter fence and then a roadway guard rail before it impacted terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot further reported he did not experience any pre-accident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that the accident might have been prevented by aborting the landing earlier.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportBlock Island State (0nm W)
Runway28
Runway Length2502 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA32 260
Tail NumberN44255
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter30.34 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data