Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands at Private Airstrip, Collides with Drainage Ditch After Braking Issues on Oiled Runway (N2751T)

Byers, CO, US

On August 3, 1991, a Beech V35 (registration N2751T) operated by Lonnie D. Ayers was involved in an aviation accident near Byers, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN UNSUITABLE LANDING SITE. FACTORS WERE: WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DITCH. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot diverted to a private airstrip due to thunderstorms. The 2500-foot dirt runway was oil-coated and rain made it slick. After touchdown, braking difficulties led to the left main gear hitting a drainage ditch, collapsing the gear. The airplane skidded 100 feet.

Incident Details

The pilot elected to land at a private airstrip after encountering thunderstorm activity in the Denver area. The runway, measuring 2500 feet and surfaced with dirt and sand, had recently been coated with oil. Rain rendered the surface slick. Upon touchdown, the pilot reported trouble with braking due to water on the runway. Near the end of the runway, the left main landing gear struck a drainage ditch and collapsed. The airplane then skidded approximately 100 feet before coming to rest on the left edge of the runway.

Weather Information

The pilot received two inflight weather briefings indicating thunderstorm activity at the intended destination until mid-afternoon. The reported weather conditions in Denver were 600 feet overcast with 6 miles visibility in light rain.

Pilot Actions

The pilot made the decision to divert to the private airstrip based on the thunderstorm activity. After landing and experiencing braking difficulties, the aircraft's left main gear contacted the drainage ditch, leading to the collapse and subsequent skid.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17845. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.