No fatalities

Pilot's Attempt to Activate Runway Lighting Unsuccessful, Landing Gear Collapses on Touchdown (N9268W)

Morgantown, PA, US

On June 14, 1997, a Piper PA-28 (registration N9268W) operated by Wendell L. May was involved in an aviation accident near Morgantown, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to activate runway lighting but was unsuccessful. Believing he had the runway in sight, he continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the aircraft came to a stop south of the runway, with landing gear collapsed and wings damaged.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an aircraft reported that he keyed his microphone multiple times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting system. Despite these efforts, the runway lights did not illuminate.

Approach and Landing

The pilot stated that he believed he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and decided to continue with the approach and landing.

Touchdown and Aftermath

At touchdown, the pilot felt a jolt. The aircraft came to an immediate stop approximately 15 feet south of the runway. All three landing gear collapsed, and both wings sustained substantial damage.

Investigation

The investigation did not provide information on the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or any injuries. No probable cause was stated in the available source material.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1997 Piper PA-28 accident near Morgantown, PA?

A pilot attempted to activate runway lighting but was unsuccessful. Believing he had the runway in sight, he continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the aircraft came to a stop south of the runway, with landing gear collapsed and wings damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 1997 Piper PA-28 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1997 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N9268W, operated by Wendell L. May, at Morgantown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08152. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.