Aircraft Landing Gear Collapse After Runway Excursion

Casualties unknown • Middlesboro, KY, US

An aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse after overrunning the end of runway 10 during touchdown on an asphalt runway.

What happened

The aircraft was performing a landing on runway 10, which is an asphalt runway measuring 3,630 feet in length. The airplane touched down within approximately the final 800 feet of the runway surface. During the landing roll, a witness observed smoke emitting from the aircraft's tires.

As the aircraft continued down the runway, it exited the end of the pavement and entered a grass area. Upon entering the grass, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide to a stop. Evidence at the scene included tire skid marks located approximately 2,800 feet beyond the runway threshold, with the marks showing a twisting pattern at the end of the runway before entering the grass.

The investigation

An FAA Inspector examined the wreckage following the accident. This examination revealed no evidence of any pre-impact abnormalities regarding the engine or the airframe.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-24 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Middlesboro, KY?

An aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse after overrunning the end of runway 10 during touchdown on an asphalt runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-24 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N525WA, at Middlesboro, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed, which resulted in runway overrun into a grass area where the gear collapsed. The tailwind was a contributing factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10946. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…