Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point while landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was attempting to land in gusty wind conditions in mountainous terrain. On short final approach, the airplane entered a rapid descent. The pilot attempted to go-around by applying full power. The airplane continued to descend and touched down short of the runway, after which the landing gear collapsed. The airplane traveled about 150 ft down the runway before coming to a stop resulting in substantial damage to the lower fuselage structure. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA177 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 8, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carrabassett, Maine
- Nearest airport
- Sugarloaf Rgnl (B21)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-24-250
- N-number
- N6465P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1959
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.