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Casualties unknown

Landing Overrun at Private Airport After Pilot Aims for Smoother Terrain (N1996T)

Dongola, IL, US

On July 4, 1999, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1996T) was involved in an aviation accident near Dongola, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glidepath on the landing approach, and the failure of the pilot to select a proper touchdown point. Factors to the accident were the lack of runway lights, the dusk light condition, and the ditch. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing at a private airport on a dark runway overran the end, colliding with a ditch embankment. The pilot said he was slightly high and aimed for a point where terrain drop-off lessened.

Accident Overview

At 2050, an aircraft operating at a private airport ran off the end of the runway during landing and collided with a ditch embankment. The airport lacked runway lights. Sunset on the accident day occurred at 2021, and the end of civil twilight was recorded at 2052.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that during the approach he was slightly high. He noted that the north end of the airport had been undergoing work and that the terrain dropped off steeply on both sides. The pilot stated that he aimed for a point where the terrain no longer dropped off so steeply. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft overran the runway and struck a ditch embankment.

Environmental Conditions

No information about weather conditions, aircraft type, registration, or occupant status was provided in the source. The accident took place at a private airport without runway lighting, during a period after sunset but before the end of civil twilight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1999 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Dongola, IL?

A pilot landing at a private airport on a dark runway overran the end, colliding with a ditch embankment. The pilot said he was slightly high and aimed for a point where terrain drop-off lessened.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1999 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1996T, at Dongola, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glidepath on the landing approach, and the failure of the pilot to select a proper touchdown point. Factors to the accident were the lack of runway lights, the dusk light condition, and the ditch.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19183. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.