On July 1, 1984, a Beech M35 (registration N772AW) was involved in an aviation accident near Lacenter, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to positively identify the intended airport during arrival, resulting in landing on an incorrect runway and necessitating an emergency ground loop to avoid obstacles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot arriving at LaCenter Airport mistook an uncharted private strip for the destination runway. Upon realizing the error, he ground looped the aircraft to avoid obstacles.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight to LaCenter Airport, which features a runway length of 1,700 feet. During the arrival phase of the flight, the pilot mistakenly identified a nearby uncharted private airstrip as the intended destination. After touching down on this 1,300-foot private strip, the pilot realized that the available runway was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a safe stop.
To prevent the aircraft from overshooting the end of the runway and striking obstacles, the pilot intentionally executed a ground loop maneuver. This action was taken as an emergency measure to control the aircraft's direction and minimize the risk of collision with surrounding hazards.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to positively identify the intended airport during arrival, resulting in landing on an incorrect runway and necessitating an emergency ground loop to avoid obstacles.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1984 Beech M35 accident near Lacenter, WA?
A pilot arriving at LaCenter Airport mistook an uncharted private strip for the destination runway. Upon realizing the error, he ground looped the aircraft to avoid obstacles.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1984 involved a Beech M35, registration N772AW, at Lacenter, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to positively identify the intended airport during arrival, resulting in landing on an incorrect runway and necessitating an emergency ground loop to avoid obstacles.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…