Piper PA 28-150 accident near Newport, New Hampshire, October 14, 2013
On October 14, 2013 at about 8:45 pm local time, a 1965 Piper PA 28-150, registered N5873W, was substantially damaged in an accident during approach (VFR pattern final) near Newport, New Hampshire (Parlin Field). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 4 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's incorrect glide path, which resulted in a landing area overshoot and a runway excursion.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- October 14, 2013 · about 8:45 pm local time
- Place
- Newport, New Hampshire · Parlin Field · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 4 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA 28-150, built 1965 · all PA 28-150s on the register
- Registration
- N5873W · registry record · serial 28-2503
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
According to the pilot, he learned that runway 36 at destination airport was closed and proceeded with his departure. After an uneventful flight, while making radio calls to the destination airport, the airport manager reported that runway 30 was open and provided its length, 1,700 feet. The pilot entered the traffic pattern for the runway and configured the airplane for a short approach. Anticipating an uphill landing, the pilot misjudged the beginning of runway 30 as it was lower in elevation than he expected. He remarked that he was high and fast on the final approach leg and could not perform a go-around due to tall trees at the end of the runway. After the airplane touched down, the pilot applied brakes; however, the airplane slid across the grass strip. He then guided the airplane to the right to avoid trees, but the airplane continued until the left wing impacted a tree and came to rest. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Miscellaneous/other during approach (VFR pattern final) defining event
- Landing area overshoot during landing (flare/touchdown)
- Runway excursion during landing (landing roll)
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing (landing roll)
The NTSB's findings
- Environmental issues › Operating environment › Airport facilities/design › Runway/landing area length › Accuracy of related info
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Descent/approach/glide path › Incorrect use/operation
- factor Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Aircraft capability › Landing distance › Capability exceeded
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 817 hours in all; 678 in this make and model; 7 in the last 90 days; 817 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: August 18, 2013
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,165 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, May 3, 2013; 5 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,150 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming 0-320 SERIES (piston); 715 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 7B2 Northhampton MA at 7:30 pm
- Destination: 2B3 Newport NH
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 30, 2,140 ft by 80 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 350° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 4,200 ft
- Temperature: 64°F (18°C), dew point 48°F (9°C)
- Altimeter: 30.21 inHg
- Observation at 8:53 pm from LEB, 15 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 3 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.