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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Missed Approach, Fog, and Runway Excursion During Landing (N37DD)

Coatesville, PA, US

On August 24, 1992, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N37DD) operated by Richard Devaney was involved in an aviation accident near Coatesville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE APPROACH AND EVENTUAL TOUCHING DOWN OFF THE RUNWAY WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND COLLAPSING THE LANDING GEAR. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LOSS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION AND FOG. 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

During an ILS approach, a pilot initiated a missed approach after not seeing the runway at decision height. After sighting the runway and reducing power, ground fog obscured vision during flare. The aircraft drifted right, landed on grass, and slid, causing landing gear collapse.

Synopsis

A pilot reported that during an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, the runway was not visible at decision height, prompting initiation of a missed approach. After the missed approach was initiated, the runway became visible, and the pilot reduced power to land.

Sequence of Events

During the flare, the pilot lost sight of the runway due to ground fog. The airplane drifted to the right and touched down in the grassy area to the right of the runway centerline. On the wet grass, the airplane slid out of control. The main landing gear collapsed as the airplane slid on the grass. When the airplane slid back onto the runway, the nose gear also collapsed.

Damage

The main landing gear and nose gear collapsed during the event. No other damage was reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 1992 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Coatesville, PA?

During an ILS approach, a pilot initiated a missed approach after not seeing the runway at decision height. After sighting the runway and reducing power, ground fog obscured vision during flare. The aircraft drifted right, landed on grass, and slid, causing landing gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N37DD, operated by Richard Devaney, at Coatesville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONTINUE THE APPROACH AND EVENTUAL TOUCHING DOWN OFF THE RUNWAY WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND COLLAPSING THE LANDING GEAR. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LOSS OF VISUAL PERCEPTION AND FOG.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15520. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.