Casualties unknown

1997-10-24: Cessna 170B (N3155A) — Fernley, NV

Fernley, NV, US

On October 24, 1997, a Cessna 170B (registration N3155A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fernley, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance during a delayed go-around after an improper decision to continue an approach to an unlighted runway without adequate visual references. Ground fog was a factor in this accident. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a night landing on an unlighted runway, a pilot turned off the landing light due to glare from mist, then lost all outside visual references during flare, leading to wing strikes and a runway excursion.

Accident Details

The pilot was conducting a landing on an unlighted runway. On short final, the landing light began reflecting off an airborne mist, prompting the pilot to switch it off. Despite having visual contact, the pilot elected to continue the approach.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot began to flare, all outside visual references were lost. The pilot attempted a go-around, but during the maneuver, the right wing struck the runway. The aircraft rebounded, followed by the left wing striking the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft pitched down, settled, and slid to a stop on the runway.

Post-Accident Information

The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without difficulty. The pilot reported that the airport is located in a valley below the level of the surrounding terrain, and there is no instrument approach associated with the airport.

Investigation Notes

The investigation did not assign a probable cause to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09064. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.