1998-08-28: Piper PA-32-260 — Sault Ste Marie, MI

Casualties unknown • Sault Ste Marie, MI, US

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the runway marker. A factor contributing to this accident was the runway marker.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot said that he was back taxiing on runway 16 to position himself for takeoff on runway 34. While taxiing, the pilot noticed a deer on the east side of the runway. The pilot taxied along the west side of the runway, just outside of the runway lights. The pilot looked back over his shoulder to look for the deer. When he turned around, the pilot said he noticed that the airplane was too close to the runway lights. The pilot swerved the airplane to the right, where it subsequently struck the runway marker. Examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-08-28 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Sault Ste Marie, MI?

The pilot said that he was back taxiing on runway 16 to position himself for takeoff on runway 34. While taxiing, the pilot noticed a deer on the east side of the runway. The pilot taxied along the west side of the runway, just outside of the runway lights. The pilot looked back over his shoulder to look for the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-08-28 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N4887S, at Sault Ste Marie, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and the runway marker. A factor contributing to this accident was the runway marker.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10817. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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