Aircraft forced landing on residential street in Dungannon, Virginia

Casualties unknown • Dungannon, VA, US

A pilot flying from Tulsa to Bristol attempted an emergency landing on a street in Virginia after becoming disoriented during flight through inclement weather.

What happened

A pilot operating a VFR aircraft departed Tulsa, Oklahoma, en route to Bristol, Tennessee, carrying a full load of fuel. The flight proceeded without any intermediate stops.

Upon reaching the area near Bristol, the pilot contacted Tri-City Approach Control to request radar vectors for the Tri-成立 Airport. However, due to the low altitude of the aircraft, radar contact with approach control could not be established. While the pilot believed the aircraft was southwest of the airport, Atlanta ARTCC identified the aircraft's position as being 40 miles northwest of Tri-City. Despite being advised of this positional discrepancy, the pilot continued on an easterly heading.

During the flight, passengers reported experiencing turbulence, snow showers, and reduced visibility. Consequently, the pilot elected to land on a street in Dungannon, Virginia. Witnesses observed the aircraft touch down hard, bounce, and veer to the left of the street, eventually striking the porch of a house. There were no fatalities reported.

The investigation

The investigation into the landing revealed that several witnesses noted an interruption of engine power prior to the aircraft coming to rest. Although an engine power interruption was reported, investigators found evidence of rotational damage on the propeller blades.

Regarding fuel status, the fuel selector was found in the position for the right outboard tank; the two right tanks contained approximately one quart of fuel remaining. Additionally, calculations determined that the center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft was located behind the aft limit.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue on an easterly heading despite being advised of a positional error, combined with the attempt to land on a residential street during inclement weather.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-02-24 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Dungannon, VA?

A pilot flying from Tulsa to Bristol attempted an emergency landing on a street in Virginia after becoming disoriented during flight through inclement weather.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-02-24 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3484W, at Dungannon, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue on an easterly heading despite being advised of a positional error, combined with the attempt to land on a residential street during inclement weather.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22519. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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