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Skydiving Flight Ends with Ground Equipment Collision After Landing (N2731G)

Hanover, PA, US

On September 22, 1996, a Cessna 182B (registration N2731G) was involved in an aviation accident near Hanover, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Related factors were: darkness, the lack of usable runway lights, and the road grading equipment parked 50 feet from the edge of the grass 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing after a skydiving flight struck parked road grading equipment near the grass runway. The night accident occurred with only four runway lights operational.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's account, the flight involved four skydivers on board. The pilot climbed to 10,000 feet, where the skydivers exited the aircraft. Thereafter, the pilot returned to the departure airport for landing.

After touchdown, the airplane impacted parked road grading equipment. The pilot described the night as dark, with calm winds at the time of the accident.

Investigation Findings

An FAA inspector reported that the road grading equipment was parked approximately 50 feet south of the 100-foot-wide grass runway. Additionally, only four runway lights were functioning when the accident occurred.

No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or damages were provided in the official source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1996 Cessna 182B accident near Hanover, PA?

A pilot landing after a skydiving flight struck parked road grading equipment near the grass runway. The night accident occurred with only four runway lights operational.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1996 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N2731G, at Hanover, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Related factors were: darkness, the lack of usable runway lights, and the road grading equipment parked 50 feet from the edge of the grass runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06760. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.