1998-05-25: Piper PA-32-300 — Kenneth H. Bernstein — Hanover, PA

Casualties unknown • Hanover, PA, US

Probable cause

failure of the pilot to obtain current information for the divert airfield, and his selection of an unsuitable area for landing. Related factors included: the lower ambient light conditions at dusk, construction on the airfield, and an over-reliance on the limited information provided by the GPS database.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

With dusk approaching, the pilot decided to divert to an alternate airport. Information about the airport and its position was found on a GPS database. After making an approach to land, while approximately 3 feet off the ground, the airplane hit a pile of dirt, touched down, and then veered into a wheat field. Postflight inspection revealed the airplane had not landed on the airport's turf runway, but instead had landed on a parallel, 'elevated fill' runway under construction. Runway and construction information was available in the Airport/Facility Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-25 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Hanover, PA?

With dusk approaching, the pilot decided to divert to an alternate airport. Information about the airport and its position was found on a GPS database. After making an approach to land, while approximately 3 feet off the ground, the airplane hit a pile of dirt, touched down, and then veered into a wheat field.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-25 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N43108, operated by Kenneth H. Bernstein, at Hanover, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to obtain current information for the divert airfield, and his selection of an unsuitable area for landing. Related factors included: the lower ambient light conditions at dusk, construction on the airfield, and an over-reliance on the limited information provided by the GPS database.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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