On June 6, 1985, a Cessna 175B (registration N8243T) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see the turn in the unlit taxiway during dark night conditions, resulting in the aircraft departing the taxiway and contacting a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot was unaware that the taxiway did not continue to the approach end of Runway 28, leading to a departure into a ditch during unlit nighttime operations.
What happened
During nighttime operations, the pilot attempted to navigate to the approach end of Runway 28. The pilot was unaware that the taxiway did not continue directly to that location. Consequently, he failed to see the required turn in the taxiway path. The aircraft continued straight off the end of the taxiway and contacted a ditch.
The investigation
The accident occurred during dark night conditions. The taxiway involved was not lit, although it was not required to be illuminated at that time. The lack of lighting contributed to the pilot's inability to identify the change in the taxiway geometry.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see the turn in the unlit taxiway during dark night conditions, resulting in the aircraft departing the taxiway and contacting a ditch.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Jun 1985 Cessna 175B accident near Lancaster, OH?
The pilot was unaware that the taxiway did not continue to the approach end of Runway 28, leading to a departure into a ditch during unlit nighttime operations.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jun 1985 involved a Cessna 175B, registration N8243T, at Lancaster, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to see the turn in the unlit taxiway during dark night conditions, resulting in the aircraft departing the taxiway and contacting a ditch.
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