On October 8, 1996, a Beech 23 (registration N2398Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Neenah, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the local terrain conditions around the airport. A factor was the inadequate runway safety area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During final approach, the pilot slowed to avoid a red dump truck on the road. The left main gear tire then contacted a second red and grey dump truck. The runway obstacle free zone was shorter than recommended.
Accident Details
During the final approach to the runway, the pilot reduced the airplane's speed to avoid a red dump truck that was traveling along the road. Immediately following the first truck was a second dump truck, colored grey and red. The left main gear tire of the airplane made contact with the second dump truck.
Environmental Factors
West of the airport, there was a tree line and a cornfield adjacent to the road. According to the investigation, a lightly colored vehicle would have been very difficult to see against this background during the final approach to the runway.
Runway Configuration
The runway obstacle free zone was shorter than the recommended length.