On May 4, 1985, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N2618M) operated by Congressional Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near White Sulphur, WV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a visual approach, the pilot observed a vehicle on the runway edge. The vehicle reportedly moved across the runway, prompting the pilot to pull back on the yoke without adding power. The aircraft struck the runway, bounced, and sustained damage to the nose gear support truss.
Incident Overview
During a visual flight rules landing approach, the pilot noticed a vehicle on the left edge of the runway. The approach was continued, and as the landing flare began, the pilot and a passenger stated that the vehicle started moving across the runway in front of the aircraft. The pilot pulled the yoke back in an attempt to zoom over the vehicle but did not add power. The aircraft subsequently struck the runway and bounced.
Damage and Witness Accounts
The impact displaced the nose gear support truss upward, and the top fitting penetrated the top fuselage skin at the junction of the fuselage and windshield. Witnesses on the ground reported that the vehicle was parked on the left edge of the runway and was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 May 1985 Piper PA-34-200T accident near White Sulphur, WV?
During a visual approach, the pilot observed a vehicle on the runway edge. The vehicle reportedly moved across the runway, prompting the pilot to pull back on the yoke without adding power. The aircraft struck the runway, bounced, and sustained damage to the nose gear support truss.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 May 1985 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N2618M, operated by Congressional Flying Club, at White Sulphur, WV.
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