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Casualties unknown

Runway Overrun After Pilot Mistook Lights for Additional Runway (N8210H)

Provincetown, MA, US

On July 14, 1985, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8210H) was involved in an aviation accident near Provincetown, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot mistook the runway end lights and lights on the localizer antenna as lights on an additional runway, and did not recognize insufficient runway remaining in time to go around. 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 an ILS approach with a tailwind, the pilot mistook runway end lights and localizer antenna lights for additional runway, resulting in a runway overrun and gear collapse on soft sandy terrain.

Incident Details

The aircraft was vectored for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 7. The approach was conducted with a tailwind. On the first attempt, the pilot executed a missed approach and was subsequently vectored for another ILS approach. After completing the second approach, the pilot landed.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that during landing, he misinterpreted the runway end lights and lights on the localizer antenna as lights indicating an additional runway. Upon realizing that insufficient runway remained for stopping, it was too late to initiate a go-around.

Outcome

Unable to stop on the remaining runway, the aircraft continued off the end and onto soft sandy terrain. The landing gear collapsed during the overrun.

Probable cause

The pilot mistook the runway end lights and lights on the localizer antenna as lights on an additional runway, and did not recognize insufficient runway remaining in time to go around.
Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 1985 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Provincetown, MA?

During an ILS approach with a tailwind, the pilot mistook runway end lights and localizer antenna lights for additional runway, resulting in a runway overrun and gear collapse on soft sandy terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 1985 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8210H, at Provincetown, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot mistook the runway end lights and lights on the localizer antenna as lights on an additional runway, and did not recognize insufficient runway remaining in time to go around.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37259. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.