Casualties unknown

1992-06-06: Piper PA-16 (N6810K) — Furlong, Louis R. Jr. — Williamson, GA

Williamson, GA, US

On June 6, 1992, a Piper PA-16 (registration N6810K) operated by Furlong, Louis R. Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Williamson, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT OF N46RB (THE SONERAI) TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF RUNWAY EDGE MARKINGS AT THIS AIRPORT. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Sonerai 2L (N46RB) collided with a taxiing Piper PA-16 (N6810K) during takeoff roll on Runway 31 at a grass airstrip, after drifting right. No visual markers indicated runway edges.

Accident Summary

A ground collision occurred between two light aircraft at a grass airstrip. The accident involved a Sonerai 2L, registration N46RB, and a Piper PA-16, registration N6810K. The Sonerai was performing a takeoff roll on Runway 31, while the Piper was taxiing toward the takeoff area for the same runway from a position northeast of the runway.

Aircraft and Sequence

According to reports from multiple witnesses and the pilot of the Piper, the Sonerai drifted to the right during its takeoff roll. This deviation brought it into the path of the taxiing Piper, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft. The specific details of the damage to each aircraft were not specified in the available sources.

Investigation Findings

An FAA inspector examined the site and reported that the collision occurred outside the surveyed limits of Runway 31. However, the investigation also noted that there were no visual markers delineating the edges of the runway. The absence of markings may have contributed to the confusion regarding the runway boundaries, but the source does not assign causal factors.

No further details regarding the time of day, weather conditions, or injuries were provided in the source material. The report is limited to the factual sequence of events and the observation about the lack of runway edge markings.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14769. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.