Primary finding
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.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
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.'
Source record
Factual 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. -