Casualties unknown

1996-07-24: Piper PA-31-350 (N48DH) — Union Flights — Kneeland, CA

Kneeland, CA, US

On July 24, 1996, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N48DH) operated by Union Flights was involved in an aviation accident near Kneeland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a short, high-elevation runway without adequate speed control, resulting in a runway overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot diverted to a high-elevation alternate airport due to fog. Upon landing, the aircraft overran the short runway and crashed into trees.

What happened

The pilot initiated a diversion to a planned alternate airport because of fog conditions at the intended destination. This alternate site was situated on a ridge line approximately 2,700 feet higher in elevation than the original target airport. The available runway measured only 2,200 feet in length and lacked any ground services.

According to witness accounts, the pilot landed with excessive speed near the middle of the strip. The aircraft left skid marks measuring between 330 to 350 feet along the pavement. Unable to stop within the available distance, the aircraft departed the end of the runway, descended an embankment, and entered a wooded area.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a short, high-elevation runway without adequate speed control, resulting in a runway overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.