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Casualties unknown

Pilot Misjudges Approach to Wrong Side of Runway Lights (N26864)

Chinle, AZ, US

On March 14, 1987, a Cessna 414A (registration N26864) was involved in an aviation accident near Chinle, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during an approach to an airport with partial lighting failures, which resulted in a collision with a fence. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted an approach to the incorrect side of a runway due to inoperative lights, resulting in a collision with a fence during go-around.

What happened

The pilot reported that runway lights on one side of the runway were inoperative. Consequently, he made an approach to the wrong side of the lights. When he realized the aircraft was not aligned with the runway, he initiated a go-around. However, as he started to go around, the aircraft hit a fence beside the runway and subsequently crash landed.

The investigation

No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.

Findings

  • Runway lights on one side of the runway were inoperative.
  • The pilot approached the wrong side of the lights.
  • The aircraft collided with a fence during the go-around maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway during an approach to an airport with partial lighting failures, which resulted in a collision with a fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30476. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.