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NTSB Report

August 27, 2017 · Piper J5A Undesignat · N30897

Springfield, VT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Springfield, VT
Aircraft
Piper J5A Undesignat (1940)
Tail Number
N30897
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA519

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on grass surface next to a hard-surfaced runway, the airplane approached "too high and landed too fast." He added that he was "not sure" if he could stop the airplane in the remaining distance, so he "decided to go-around, but did not leave…enough room to clear the trees" at the end of the landing area. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees and stopped. The right wing, fuselage, and windscreen sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station at the airport reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 320° at 5 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable and that he landed parallel to runway 29.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's unstabilized approach, which resulted in landing long and fast, and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from trees during a go-around.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on grass surface next to a hard-surfaced runway, the airplane approached "too high and landed too fast." He added that he was "not sure" if he could stop the airplane in the remaining distance, so he "decided to go-around, but did not leave myself [himself] enough room to clear the trees" at the end of the landing area. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the trees and stopped. The right wing, fuselage, and windscreen sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station at the airport, about the time of the accident, reported wind from 320° at 5 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was variable, and he landed parallel to runway 29.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportHartness State (Springfield) (0nm SSE)
Runway29
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J5A Undesignat
Tail NumberN30897
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data