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.
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.