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Runway Lights Extinguished After Takeoff in Night Accident (N6401P)

Wendover, UT, US

On April 15, 1990, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6401P) operated by Sorensen, Fred was involved in an aviation accident near Wendover, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE LACK OF SURFACE REFERENCE WHILE TAKING OFF OVER A SPARSELY POPULATED AREA UNDER DARK NIGHT LIGHT 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

A pilot reported activating runway lights before taxiing, but they extinguished after takeoff. The airplane struck the ground left wing down, nose low. The pilot had 4 hours of night flying in the previous 90 days.

Background

According to the pilot's statement, the runway edge lights were activated prior to taxiing for takeoff. The pilot noted that the taxiway was not lighted, requiring a lengthy taxi period.

Event Sequence

After becoming airborne, the pilot believes the runway lights extinguished shortly thereafter. The surviving passenger recalled the airplane "tumbling" following takeoff. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a left wing down, nose low attitude.

Environmental Conditions

The airport is located southeast of the city. Pilots familiar with the airport described the area along the extended centerline of Runway 21 as "a black hole." The runway lights remain illuminated for approximately 15 minutes after activation.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had logged 4 hours of night flying time in the last 90 days.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 1990 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Wendover, UT?

A pilot reported activating runway lights before taxiing, but they extinguished after takeoff. The airplane struck the ground left wing down, nose low. The pilot had 4 hours of night flying in the previous 90 days.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 1990 Piper PA-24-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 1990 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6401P, operated by Sorensen, Fred, at Wendover, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DUE TO SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE LACK OF SURFACE REFERENCE WHILE TAKING OFF OVER A SPARSELY POPULATED AREA UNDER DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.