Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overruns Runway and Collides with Ditch During Landing (N2531U)

Ridgeland, SC, US

On August 22, 1983, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2531U) was involved in an aviation accident near Ridgeland, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the approach and overshot the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran the runway and struck a ditch during landing. The pilot reported being high on approach, floating before touchdown, and using maximum braking without stopping. The pilot stated he misjudged the approach.

Accident Details

During the landing roll, the aircraft exited the runway surface and collided with a ditch. Weather conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with light and variable winds.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the aircraft was high as it crossed the runway threshold. The aircraft then floated before touching down. After touchdown, the pilot applied maximum braking but was unable to stop the aircraft before the runway end.

Pilot Statement

The pilot told the airport manager that there was nothing wrong with the airplane. He stated that he misjudged the approach and overshot the runway, leading to the overrun and collision with the ditch.

Probable cause

The pilot misjudged the approach and overshot the runway.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Aug 1983 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Ridgeland, SC?

An aircraft overran the runway and struck a ditch during landing. The pilot reported being high on approach, floating before touchdown, and using maximum braking without stopping. The pilot stated he misjudged the approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Aug 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2531U, at Ridgeland, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misjudged the approach and overshot the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44016. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.