Aircraft Excursion and Taxiway Sign Impact Following Landing

Casualties unknown • Chandler, AZ, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a taxiway sign after the pilot experienced reduced visibility due to sun and insect glare.

What happened

During the landing phase on runway 22L, the pilot reported that the aircraft touched down on the right side of the centerline at what was described as an excessive speed. The runway involved in the incident measured 4,850 feet in length and 75 feet in width.

As the aircraft continued along the runway, it bounced three times while slowly veering off the paved surface. The pilot reported that visibility was significantly impaired by a combination of sun glare and insects, which effectively blinded him during the landing roll. In an attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline, the aircraft impacted a taxiway sign.

At the time of the accident, the sun was positioned approximately 20 degrees to the right of the runway heading and 1.4 degrees above the horizon.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline while experiencing impaired visibility from the combination of sun glare and insects.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-10-19 Pitts S-2B accident near Chandler, AZ?

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a taxiway sign after the pilot experienced reduced visibility due to sun and insect glare.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-10-19 involved a Pitts S-2B, registration N15KR, operated by Chandler Air Service, at Chandler, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway centerline while experiencing impaired visibility from the combination of sun glare and insects.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02471. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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