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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Lands Short of Runway on Wet Ground, Main Landing Gear Separates (N66AU)

Nashville, TN, US

On August 10, 1984, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N66AU) was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to set up a high rate of descent on final approach to avoid excessive braking on the wet runway, which resulted in descending below the glide slope and inability to arrest the descent before ground contact. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a wet runway landing, the pilot set a high rate of descent to minimize braking, causing the aircraft to descend below the VASI glide slope and touch down 12 feet short. The main landing gear struck the runway edge and separated.

Circumstances

According to the investigation source, the pilot reportedly planned to land near the approach end of the runway to avoid excessive braking on the wet surface. To achieve this, the pilot established a high rate of descent on final approach.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, the aircraft descended below the glide slope indicated by the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI). The pilot was unable to arrest the descent before the aircraft made contact with the ground. The aircraft touched down approximately 12 feet short of the runway threshold in wet terrain.

Damage

Upon impact with the wet ground short of the runway, the main landing gear struck the runway edge. The force of the impact caused the main landing gear to separate from the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to set up a high rate of descent on final approach to avoid excessive braking on the wet runway, which resulted in descending below the glide slope and inability to arrest the descent before ground contact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Aug 1984 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Nashville, TN?

During a wet runway landing, the pilot set a high rate of descent to minimize braking, causing the aircraft to descend below the VASI glide slope and touch down 12 feet short. The main landing gear struck the runway edge and separated.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Aug 1984 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N66AU, at Nashville, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to set up a high rate of descent on final approach to avoid excessive braking on the wet runway, which resulted in descending below the glide slope and inability to arrest the descent before ground contact.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40585. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.