Runway Excursion Following Wind Discrepancy

Casualties unknown • Lansing, IL, US

An aircraft overran the end of runway 27 after the pilot encountered wind conditions that contradicted automated weather reporting.

What happened

During a night operation, the pilot observed that the airport's directional plane indicated winds ranging from 180 to 240 degrees. This specific wind direction favored the use of runway 27. However, the pilot noted that this information was in contradiction with the reports provided by the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS).

As the aircraft was on the runway, the pilot realized that the airplane could not be stopped within the remaining runway length. Given the current airspeed, the darkness of the night, and the amount of pavement left, the pilot determined that rotating the aircraft to lift off the ground was unlikely. Consequently, the aircraft traveled off the end of runway 27 at an estimated speed of approximately 35 knots.

At the time of the accident, the AWOS was reporting winds from 160 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts reaching 24 knots.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to stop the aircraft on the runway was unsuccessful due to wind conditions that contradicted the automated weather reports.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-11-17 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Lansing, IL?

An aircraft overran the end of runway 27 after the pilot encountered wind conditions that contradicted automated weather reporting.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-11-17 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8308V, at Lansing, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to stop the aircraft on the runway was unsuccessful due to wind conditions that contradicted the automated weather reports.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07011. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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