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Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands in Snow after Misidentifying Snowmobile Tracks as Runway (N6192A)

Pittsfield, ME, US

On February 19, 1993, a Piper PA-31T1 (registration N6192A) operated by Cianbro Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsfield, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION TO CONTINUE A LANDING WITHOUT RUNWAY LIGHTS, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY. 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

A pilot attempted to activate runway boundary lights but was unsuccessful. He descended using VASI lights, then landed in 18 inches of snow 60 feet off the runway after mistaking snowmobile tracks for the runway. The nosegear collapsed during a go-around attempt.

Incident

A pilot reported that during a landing approach, he attempted to activate the radio-controlled runway boundary lights while approximately 10 miles away and again while in the traffic pattern, but was unsuccessful. He continued his descent to about 500 feet above ground using the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights. The pilot stated that he had the airport in sight and felt sufficiently in sight to complete the landing.

The airplane touched down in approximately 18 inches of snow, about 60 feet to the right of the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction. He said that as he got closer to the ground, he realized that what he thought was the runway was actually snowmobile tracks. He attempted a go-around, but the airplane impacted the ground, collapsing the nosegear.

No other details were provided in the source.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Feb 1993 Piper PA-31T1 accident near Pittsfield, ME?

A pilot attempted to activate runway boundary lights but was unsuccessful. He descended using VASI lights, then landed in 18 inches of snow 60 feet off the runway after mistaking snowmobile tracks for the runway. The nosegear collapsed during a go-around attempt.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-31T1, registration N6192A, operated by Cianbro Corp., at Pittsfield, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION TO CONTINUE A LANDING WITHOUT RUNWAY LIGHTS, AND HIS DELAY IN INITIATING A GO-AROUND. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN HIS ABILITY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11788. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.