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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 14, 1997 · Piper PA-28 · N9268W

Morgantown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Morgantown, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N9268W
Operator
Wendell L May
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD97LA089

The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting. However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing. At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop 15 feet south of the runway. All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition.

Full Narrative

On June 14, 1997, at about 0030 eastern daylight time a Piper PA-28, N9268W, owned and operated by the private pilot collided with the ground 15 feet south of runway 28, while attempting to land without runway lighting, at the Morgantown airport, Morgantown, Pennsylvania. The pilot and sole occupant was not injured, however, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual Meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting. However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing. At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop. All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged. The owner/pilot failed to submit an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 by the time of this report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:30 EDT
Nearest AirportMorgantown (0nm N)
Runway28
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN9268W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWendell L May
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data