Aircraft Runway Excursion Due to Ground Fog

Casualties unknown • Coatesville, PA, US

A pilot initiated a missed approach during an ILS approach due to low visibility, but subsequently attempted a landing that resulted in a runway excursion and gear collapse.

What happened

During an ILS approach, the pilot was unable to see the runway at the decision height and subsequently initiated a missed approach. Shortly after the missed approach was started, the runway became visible, prompting the pilot to reduce power and attempt a landing.

During the flare phase of the landing, ground fog caused the pilot to lose sight of the runway again. The aircraft drifted to the right of the runway centerline, touching down in a grassy area. As the aircraft slid across the wet grass, it became uncontrolled. The impact and sliding motion resulted in the collapse of the main landing gear, followed by the collapse of the nose gear when the aircraft slid back onto the paved runway surface.

No injuries or fatalities were reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt a landing after visibility was lost due to ground fog, leading to an excursion onto the grass and subsequent gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-08-24 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Coatesville, PA?

A pilot initiated a missed approach during an ILS approach due to low visibility, but subsequently attempted a landing that resulted in a runway excursion and gear collapse.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-08-24 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 attempt a landing after visibility was lost due to ground fog, leading to an excursion onto the grass and subsequent gear collapse.

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.

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