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Pilot Reports Go-Around Collision with Dirt Pile After Incorrect CTAF Frequency (N69LM)

Ava, MO, US

On December 9, 1999, a Cessna 172M (registration N69LM) was involved in an aviation accident near Ava, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt bank, and the rocks. 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 reported being unable to activate airport lighting due to an incorrect CTAF frequency listed on the sectional chart. During a go-around, the aircraft struck a dirt pile past the runway end.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, he was unable to activate the airport and runway lighting systems using the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), 122.9, as listed on the Kansas City Sectional Chart. The pilot reported that he continued the approach to the unlit airport area.

Events During Approach

The pilot stated that during the approach, he elected to go-around. During the go-around, the right main landing gear touched down off the right side of the runway. The pilot reported that he then retarded the throttle and the airplane impacted a pile of dirt and rocks about 250 feet past the departure end of runway 13.

Frequency Discrepancy

The CTAF for the Ava-Bill Martin Memorial Airport is 122.7. The CTAF frequency was incorrectly listed in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publication database.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Dec 1999 Cessna 172M accident near Ava, MO?

A pilot reported being unable to activate airport lighting due to an incorrect CTAF frequency listed on the sectional chart. During a go-around, the aircraft struck a dirt pile past the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Dec 1999 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N69LM, at Ava, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the improper in-flight decision made by the pilot. Factors to the accident were the charts/other manuals depicting the incorrect frequency, the dirt bank, and the rocks.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20203. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.