Casualties unknown

Instructional Flight Ends in Runway Excursion After Ultralight Preoccupation (N100PV)

Towanda, PA, US

On July 3, 1983, an Aero Commander 500 (registration N100PV) operated by Donald Simons was involved in an aviation accident near Towanda, PA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, the instructor became preoccupied searching for an ultralight reported by UNICOM. The student touched down 1000 ft down the runway with excessive speed. A go-around was delayed. After taking control and applying max braking, the aircraft exited the runway, hit a rock pile, and went into a ditch. A right crosswind of 5 kts was present.

Overview

A dual instructional flight concluded with a runway excursion after the instructor became distracted by an ultralight aircraft reported in the vicinity. The student pilot touched down well beyond the runway threshold at an excessive speed, and a timely go-around was not initiated.

Sequence of Events

During the arrival phase, the UNICOM frequency provided an advisory that an ultralight was overhead and possibly landing. As the student pilot conducted the landing, a second UNICOM advisory concerning the ultralight was received. The flight instructor (CFI) stated that he became preoccupied with searching for the ultralight. This distraction led to the student touching down approximately 1,000 feet down the runway with excessive speed. According to reports, the CFI delayed the opportunity to execute a go-around. He subsequently took control of the aircraft and applied maximum braking. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued off the end of the runway, struck a rock pile, and came to rest in a ditch.

Environmental Conditions

The CFI reported a right crosswind of 5 knots at the time of the incident.

Conclusion

The events are based solely on the information provided in the initial report; no causal analysis or additional interpretation is included.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43914. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.