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Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands in Ditch After Unable to Activate Runway Lights (N41369)

Falcon, CO, US

On September 25, 1996, a Piper PA28-151 (registration N41369) was involved in an aviation accident near Falcon, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure by the pilot to select suitable terrain for landing. Factors were inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the flight by the pilot by failing to check NOTAMS and failing to use communication aids available to him. 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 attempting a night landing could not activate runway lights via UNICOM due to a frequency change published weeks earlier, resulting in a landing in a ditch and striking a culvert.

Incident Overview

During a night local area personal flight, the pilot attempted to land at the airport of departure. The pilot could not turn on the runway lights using the UNICOM frequency. The pilot then attempted to land without this lighting aid. The landing was made in a ditch located between the runway and the taxiway. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a culvert.

Circumstances

The frequency for the UNICOM had been changed several weeks prior to the incident. This change had been published in NOTAMs and was also incorporated into controller instructions for local air traffic control and flight service facilities. The pilot did not attempt to contact these facilities regarding the frequency change, and no evidence was found that such contact was made.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the incident, the weather conditions were clear skies and dark night lighting.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1996 Piper PA28-151 accident near Falcon, CO?

A pilot attempting a night landing could not activate runway lights via UNICOM due to a frequency change published weeks earlier, resulting in a landing in a ditch and striking a culvert.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1996 involved a Piper PA28-151, registration N41369, at Falcon, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure by the pilot to select suitable terrain for landing. Factors were inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the flight by the pilot by failing to check NOTAMS and failing to use communication aids available to him.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06742. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.