On November 25, 1998, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N5256T) was involved in an aviation accident near Hancock, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot became disoriented while taxiing at an unfamiliar airport and his failure to reduce engine power when the airplane departed the paved surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During taxi to the runway, an airplane left the paved ramp and traveled across an unlit grass area before stopping in a 10-foot-deep ditch. The pilot reported being unfamiliar with the airport and not reducing throttle when leaving the paved area.
Incident Overview
The pilot was taxiing the airplane toward the runway when the airplane departed the paved ramp and entered an unlit, open grass area. The airplane continued traveling through the grass and eventually came to a stop after entering a ditch that was 10 feet deep.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he had never previously landed at this airport, indicating a lack of familiarity with the airport's layout. He further stated that he did not reduce the throttle when the airplane left the paved ramp area. This means the engine power was not decreased during the transition from the paved surface to the grass.
Environmental Conditions
The taxiway lights were illuminated at the time of the incident. The grass area that the airplane entered was unlit.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Nov 1998 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Hancock, MI?
During taxi to the runway, an airplane left the paved ramp and traveled across an unlit grass area before stopping in a 10-foot-deep ditch. The pilot reported being unfamiliar with the airport and not reducing throttle when leaving the paved area.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Nov 1998 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Nov 1998 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N5256T, at Hancock, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot became disoriented while taxiing at an unfamiliar airport and his failure to reduce engine power when the airplane departed the paved surface. Factors associated with the accident were the dark night condition, the pilot did not follow the correct taxi route to the runway, and the ditch which the airplane…
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