Casualties unknown

1993-08-24: Piper AEROSTAR 601P (N479CB) — Saint James, MI

Saint James, MI, US

On August 24, 1993, a Piper AEROSTAR 601P (registration N479CB) was involved in an aviation accident near Saint James, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE WIND, AND HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An Aerostar 601 overran Runway 9 during landing, collapsing the nose gear. The pilot reported wind from 180° at 10 gusting 15 knots, while a nearby station recorded 250° at 20 knots. The runway had a 525-foot displaced threshold, reducing effective length to 2,157 feet. The pilot received conflicting runway length information from an airport guide and airport operators. No brake system issues were found.

Accident Overview

During landing, an Aerostar 601 overran the runway and came to a stop approximately 125 feet beyond the departure end. The nose gear collapsed during the overrun.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he believed the wind was from about 180 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. Approximately 32 miles east-southeast of the accident site, at Pellston, Michigan, the wind was recorded as from 250 degrees at 20 knots.

Runway Information

The aircraft landed on Runway 9, which had a total length of 2,682 feet. However, due to a 525-foot displaced threshold caused by trees, the effective landing length was 2,157 feet.

Aircraft Performance Data

According to the Aerostar 601 Owner's Manual, the required landing distance for the aircraft at a gross weight of 5,000 lbs, with zero wind, 45 degrees of flaps, at sea level, and a 3-degree approach angle, was 2,180 feet.

Pilot's Pre-Landing Information

The pilot stated that an airport guide he used for planning purposes listed the runway length as 2,650 feet. Additionally, when he spoke with the airport operators, they informed him that the runway was 3,500 feet long.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the brake system revealed no mechanical problems.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13117. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.