Casualties unknown

Pilot Confused by Runway Changes, Lands on Wrong Runway, Aircraft Cartwheels (N3656R)

Yuma, AZ, US

On April 20, 1993, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N3656R) operated by Janis K. Johnson-fitzgeral was involved in an aviation accident near Yuma, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LANDING AND HER FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE ATTEMPTED GO AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported confusion after multiple runway reassignments by ATC, leading to landing on the wrong runway. During a go-around attempt, the aircraft rolled left, struck a wing, and flipped onto its back. Post-crash inspection showed a full left fuel tank and an empty right tank.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, while inbound to the airport, air traffic controllers changed her runway assignment several times. She stated that she was quite tense and confused, and subsequently landed on Runway 21L instead of the assigned Runway 26.

Sequence of Events

Just after touchdown, the aircraft began to veer left. The pilot reported that she attempted to initiate a go-around. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft rolled to the left. The left wing contacted the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled over onto its back.

Post-Crash Examination

A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, while the left fuel tank was full. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or other factors were provided in the source.

Pilot Statements

The pilot attributed her confusion and tension to the multiple runway assignment changes by air traffic control. She explicitly stated that she landed on the wrong runway as a result of this confusion. No other contributing factors were mentioned.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 1993 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Yuma, AZ?

A pilot reported confusion after multiple runway reassignments by ATC, leading to landing on the wrong runway. During a go-around attempt, the aircraft rolled left, struck a wing, and flipped onto its back. Post-crash inspection showed a full left fuel tank and an empty right tank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N3656R, operated by Janis K. Johnson-fitzgeral, at Yuma, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LANDING AND HER FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE ATTEMPTED GO AROUND. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: 1) THE PILOT'S LOW TOTAL EXPERIENCE, 2) THE FUEL IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE WING FUEL TANKS, AND 3) THE MENTAL PERFORMANCE OVERLOAD CREATED BY THE…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12185. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.