Aircraft Strikes Fence During Night Approach to Unlighted Strip

Casualties unknown • Belleville, IN, US

The pilot lost sight of the runway during a night approach to an unlighted private airstrip and struck a fence while attempting a go-around, flipping the aircraft onto its back.

What happened

The aircraft was returning to an unlighted private airstrip following a local pleasure flight. Although the sun had set, the pilot reported that the sky remained illuminated, providing some ambient light. The pilot successfully established an approach but stated that he lost sight of the runway once established on final approach.

In response, the pilot executed a low go-around in an attempt to visually reacquire the runway. He then elected to initiate a second approach. During this second attempt, the pilot again reported losing sight of the runway while on final. Deciding against a third landing attempt at the unlighted field, the pilot chose to perform another go-around and divert to a nearby airport equipped with lighting.

While initiating this second go-around maneuver, the aircraft struck a fence. The impact caused the aircraft to flip over onto its back.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway during a night approach to an unlighted airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain (a fence).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-09-20 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Belleville, IN?

The pilot lost sight of the runway during a night approach to an unlighted private airstrip and struck a fence while attempting a go-around, flipping the aircraft onto its back.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-09-20 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7108B, operated by James R. Draper, at Belleville, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with the runway during a night approach to an unlighted airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain (a fence).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32040. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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