What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-04-05 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N62551, at Springfield, MO.

Loss of Directional Control During Landing Leads to Runway Excursion (N62551)

On April 5, 1988, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N62551) was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

While landing on a narrow runway with thunderstorms approaching within 4 miles, the pilot lost directional control due to a sudden wind shift. The aircraft veered onto the soft shoulder, collapsing the nose gear and damaging both propellers.

Incident Details

During a landing attempt on a narrow runway, the pilot encountered approaching thunderstorms located within 4 miles of the airport. While rolling out after touchdown, directional control was lost. The aircraft veered off the runway onto the soft, muddy shoulder, causing the nose gear to collapse and damaging both propellers.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that a sudden change in surface wind direction made it impossible to maintain directional control during the rollout. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft departing the paved surface.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the excursion onto the soft shoulder, the nose gear collapsed. Both propellers sustained damage. No other damage was specified.

Remarks

The incident occurred while attempting to land with thunderstorms in the vicinity. The narrow runway and changing wind conditions were contributing operational factors.

1988-04-05: Piper PA-23-250 (N62551) — Springfield, MO