On June 11, 1986, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6264Y) operated by Bay Land Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Mt. Holly, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on a private airstrip, the aircraft overran the runway, contacted a post and ditch, and lost its nose gear. The pilot had been misinformed about the runway length, and wet grass and tailwind conditions were present.
Sequence of Events
The pilot circled the runway upon arrival at the private airstrip and assessed it as suitable for landing. Touchdown occurred 400 feet down the runway. Initial deceleration was normal, achieved through braking and aerodynamic braking. However, deceleration subsequently slowed and groundspeed increased. The pilot confirmed that the throttles were at idle and the aircraft configuration was appropriate. The aircraft then traveled off the end of the runway, making contact with a post and a ditch. It continued over a two-lane highway and came to rest in a second ditch. The impact caused the nose gear to shear off.
Airstrip Information
The pilot had been originally informed that the airstrip was 3,000 feet long, but its actual length was 2,250 feet. The grass surface was wet from morning dew. An aborted landing was not performed due to the presence of power lines at the end of the runway. Additionally, a 5-knot tailwind was present.
What happened in the 11 Jun 1986 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Mt. Holly, VA?
During a landing on a private airstrip, the aircraft overran the runway, contacted a post and ditch, and lost its nose gear. The pilot had been misinformed about the runway length, and wet grass and tailwind conditions were present.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jun 1986 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6264Y, operated by Bay Land Aviation, Inc., at Mt. Holly, VA.
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