What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-07-30 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N23943, at San Benito, TX.

Aircraft Strikes Cameraman During Landing Roll, Veers Off Runway (N23943)

On July 30, 1987, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N23943) was involved in an aviation accident near San Benito, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During the landing roll, an aircraft's left wing struck a television cameraman standing at the runway edge. The aircraft then veered off the left side, causing the right main landing gear to collapse.

Incident Description

During the landing roll, the aircraft's left wing struck a television cameraman who was standing at the left edge of the runway, approximately 1,200 feet from the threshold. After the collision, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway, and the right main landing gear collapsed.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses reported that the cameraman had been asked to stand back from the runway two or three times but ignored those warnings.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the nose of the aircraft was still raised when he saw the cameraman on the runway surface. Immediately thereafter, the collision occurred.

Aircraft and Runway Specifications

The aircraft had a wingspan of 38 feet, while the runway was only 40 feet wide. Reportedly, the aircraft drifted slightly to the left, approximately three feet, during the landing roll.

1987-07-30: Piper PA-38-112 (N23943) — San Benito, TX