No fatalities

Pilot Misinterprets NOTAM, Lands on Closed Runway Section (N8450B)

Fort Collins, CO, US

On August 27, 1995, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8450B) operated by P C Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT FOR LANDING. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: A MISREADING OR MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE NOTAMS. 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 misunderstood a NOTAM about runway 33 at Fort Collins-Loveland Airport, believing only the first 400 feet were closed when 4000 feet were actually closed. He landed 2000 feet short of the temporary threshold, striking barricades.

Background

Before departure, the pilot contacted Flight Service to obtain weather information and NOTAMs. During the briefing, he understood that the first 400 feet of runway 33 at Fort Collins-Loveland Airport were closed for construction. In fact, the first 4000 feet of that runway were closed.

Incident

While en route at night, the pilot decided to make a touch-and-go landing on runway 33. During the landing, the airplane touched down approximately 2000 feet short of the temporary threshold. After touchdown, the pilot heard a noise and saw barricades. He applied power and flew over the barricades, but discovered damage to the airplane after the flight.

Investigation

An investigation revealed that the runway was properly marked, runway lights in the construction area were covered, the threshold lights had been moved to the temporary threshold, and proper NOTAMs had been issued.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 1995 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Fort Collins, CO?

A pilot misunderstood a NOTAM about runway 33 at Fort Collins-Loveland Airport, believing only the first 400 feet were closed when 4000 feet were actually closed. He landed 2000 feet short of the temporary threshold, striking barricades.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 1995 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8450B, operated by P C Flyers, Inc., at Fort Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT FOR LANDING. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: A MISREADING OR MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE NOTAMS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04266. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.