Casualties unknown

Night Landing Overrun Results in Gear Collapse at Unlighted Airport (N21170)

Alpine, WY, US

On July 15, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N21170) operated by American Air Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Alpine, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land at an unlighted airport that is closed at night, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overran the runway during a nighttime landing at an unlighted airport that is officially closed after dark, colliding with a ditch and damaging the wing.

What happened

The aircraft was attempting to land on a narrow, unlighted asphalt runway measuring 5700 feet in length and only 50 feet in width. The operation took place at night, specifically at 2215 hours. At the time of the accident, the sun had set approximately one hour earlier, around 2105 hours, leaving the environment in complete darkness without artificial lighting.

During the landing roll, the aircraft failed to stop within the available runway distance and overran the pavement. It subsequently collided with a ditch located beyond the end of the runway. The impact force was significant enough to break off the left main landing gear and cause damage to the wing structure.

Findings

Investigation of the scene revealed that the airport directories indicate the facility is closed at night. This regulatory status likely contributed to the lack of lighting and other safety infrastructure typically available during daytime operations. The combination of a narrow runway, nighttime conditions, and the absence of lighting created hazardous circumstances for the landing operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land at an unlighted airport that is closed at night, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with terrain.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Alpine, WY?

An aircraft overran the runway during a nighttime landing at an unlighted airport that is officially closed after dark, colliding with a ditch and damaging the wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N21170, operated by American Air Academy, at Alpine, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land at an unlighted airport that is closed at night, resulting in a runway overrun and collision with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28811. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.