Probable cause
The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway overrun.
NTSB analysis
According to the operator, the airplane exited the departure end of the runway and collided with a drainage culvert. The pilot later reported that "the wind sock gave faulty information" during landing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts.
The METAR at the nearest airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 310° at 5 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 5. The runway length was 2,355 ft. According to the manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook, the normal landing distance is 595 ft.
The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA197 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 14, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cedar Key, Florida
- Nearest airport
- George T Lewis (CDK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N1004H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.