Casualties unknown

1983-02-28: Piper PA-34-200 (N8295L) — Erie, CO

Erie, CO, US

On February 28, 1983, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N8295L) was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot encountered an unexpected downdraft or shear effect and landed approximately 102 feet short of the runway, striking a bar ditch 63 feet from the threshold. The ditch, unmentioned in airport publications or NOTAMs, caused the main gear to fold back.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, the aircraft experienced an unexpected downdraft or shear effect during the landing approach. This resulted in the aircraft touching down approximately 102 feet short of the runway threshold. The aircraft then collided with a bar ditch located about 63 feet from the threshold. The impact folded back the main landing gear. Subsequently, the aircraft slid down the centerline of the runway, veered off to the right side, and came to a stop approximately 75 to 100 feet from the approach end of the runway.

Ditch Details

The bar ditch was described as being about 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep, oriented perpendicular to the runway. The source also noted the presence of another, much larger ditch at the opposite end of the runway. Neither ditch was mentioned in any airport publication or NOTAM as a potential hazard.

Aircraft and Site Conditions

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, or injuries were provided in the source. The time of day, weather conditions beyond the pilot's account of a downdraft or shear, and any ATC involvement were not specified. The location is not explicitly named beyond reference to the runway and ditches.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42189. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.