Casualties unknown

1986-08-13: Cessna 340 (N2696U) — Prairie City, OR

Prairie City, OR, US

On August 13, 1986, a Cessna 340 (registration N2696U) was involved in an aviation accident near Prairie City, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent stall during the go-around attempt while landing on an unlit airstrip during dusk conditions, which resulted in insufficient altitude to recover. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to land on an unlit airstrip during dusk. The aircraft stalled while trying to align with the runway, and a subsequent go-around resulted in a stall from which recovery was not possible due to low altitude.

What happened

The pilot was attempting to land the aircraft on an unlit airstrip during dusk conditions. While trying to align the aircraft with the center of the 30-foot wide airstrip, the pilot heard the stall warning horn sounding. During an attempt to execute a go-around, an inadvertent stall was entered. The aircraft was too low to recover from this stall.

The investigation

No mechanical examination or findings were reported in the source material.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident were the dusk conditions and the unlit airstrip, which likely impaired the pilot's ability to maintain proper alignment and airspeed. The inadvertent stall during the go-around maneuver, combined with insufficient altitude for recovery, led to the loss of the aircraft.

Safety message

Pilots should exercise extreme caution when operating on unlit airstrips during low-light conditions. Maintaining adequate airspeed and being prepared for potential stalls during critical phases of flight, such as landing and go-arounds, is essential for safety.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent stall during the go-around attempt while landing on an unlit airstrip during dusk conditions, which resulted in insufficient altitude to recover.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34643. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.