Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion During Twilight Approach Due to Pilot Fixation (N416CP)

Boulder City, NV, US

On November 26, 1989, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N416CP) operated by Bellis, James E. was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder City, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's fixation on altitude, speed, and threshold location during approach, and failure to notice the airplane's misalignment with the runway, resulting in a touchdown off-center and subsequent excursion into a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported being fixated on altitude, speed, and threshold location during a twilight approach, failing to notice the airplane was misaligned with the runway. Following touchdown between the threshold lights, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and entered a ditch.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported that during an approach to a runway in twilight conditions, he became fixated on monitoring altitude, speed, and the location of the threshold. As a result, he did not notice that the airplane was misaligned with the runway. The runway was equipped only with threshold lights, providing no additional alignment cues.

Sequence of Events

The airplane touched down between the threshold lights and subsequently traveled off the left side of the runway, running into a ditch. No further details regarding injuries, damage, or other circumstances were provided in the report.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, his attention was concentrated on altitude, speed, and threshold location during the approach. He acknowledged not detecting the misalignment, which led to the off-center touchdown and subsequent excursion.

Probable cause

The pilot's fixation on altitude, speed, and threshold location during approach, and failure to notice the airplane's misalignment with the runway, resulting in a touchdown off-center and subsequent excursion into a ditch.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1989 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Boulder City, NV?

A pilot reported being fixated on altitude, speed, and threshold location during a twilight approach, failing to notice the airplane was misaligned with the runway. Following touchdown between the threshold lights, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and entered a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N416CP, operated by Bellis, James E., at Boulder City, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's fixation on altitude, speed, and threshold location during approach, and failure to notice the airplane's misalignment with the runway, resulting in a touchdown off-center and subsequent excursion into a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29888. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.