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Casualties unknown

Pilot Collides with Terrain During Night Approach to Closed Runway (N8355L)

Edna, TX, US

On August 8, 1988, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N8355L) was involved in an aviation accident near Edna, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DELAY IN INITIATION OF THE GO-AROUND DURING THE PILOT'S SECOND ATTEMPT TO LAND IN THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night visual approach to an uncontrolled airport, the pilot initiated a go-around after noting unusual lights. On a second approach, he attempted to avoid a culvert but collided with terrain. The runway had been closed for construction and NOTAM information was not received.

Incident

Upon arrival at the uncontrolled destination airport, the pilot conducted a visual approach under dark night visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. During the approach, he observed that the lights appeared different than usual and decided to perform a go-around. A second approach was then initiated. Late in the second approach, the pilot recognized that he was about to land in a culvert and applied full power in an attempt to avoid it, but was unable to prevent a collision with the terrain. The impact occurred between the runway and a parallel taxiway.

Airport and NOTAM Information

The non-directional beacon (NDB) and rotating beacon at the airport were operational. However, the runway had been closed since July 19, 1988, due to construction. The runway lights were not illuminated during the attempted landing. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued regarding the runway closure. However, the pilot did not specify his destination airport during the weather briefing, and as a result, the NOTAM was not provided to him.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1988 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Edna, TX?

During a night visual approach to an uncontrolled airport, the pilot initiated a go-around after noting unusual lights. On a second approach, he attempted to avoid a culvert but collided with terrain. The runway had been closed for construction and NOTAM information was not received.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N8355L, at Edna, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A DELAY IN INITIATION OF THE GO-AROUND DURING THE PILOT'S SECOND ATTEMPT TO LAND IN THE DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RUNWAY CLOSURE DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, WHICH RESULTED IN NO RUNWAY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, AND THE FACT THAT THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE NOTAM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26570. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.