FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Misidentification of Runway Lights Leads to Nose Gear Collapse on ILS Approach (N895TT)

Jackson, WY, US

On January 5, 2000, a Beech B200 (registration N895TT) operated by Edward L. Terry was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misreading the visual approach lighting system, resulting in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway and his selection of an improper touchdown point. Factors were the low ceiling weather conditions and the snow covered runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an ILS approach to runway 18, the pilot misidentified PAPI lights as REILs, resulting in a touchdown between the runway and taxiway and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.

Incident Overview

During an ILS approach to runway 18, the pilot exited cloud cover just above the decision height. The pilot aligned the aircraft with what he believed to be the REILs (flashing white strobe lights that mark the runway end), but these were actually the PAPI (precision approach path indicator) lights, a row of four lights on the left side of the runway. The airplane touched down on the left side, between the runway and taxiway A, approximately 2,200 feet from the threshold of the 6,299-foot runway. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed.

Lighting Systems

According to the Jackson Hole Airport Manager, both the PAPI and REIL systems for runway 18 were inspected on the morning of the accident and again the following morning. No discrepancies were observed, and the airport received no reports from pilots or airport personnel indicating that either system was inoperative.

Aftermath

The event did not result in any reported injuries or fatalities. No further details were provided regarding other damage to the aircraft, weather conditions, or involvement of air traffic control.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beechcraft King Air 200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 2000 Beech B200 accident near Jackson, WY?

During an ILS approach to runway 18, the pilot misidentified PAPI lights as REILs, resulting in a touchdown between the runway and taxiway and subsequent nose landing gear collapse.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jan 2000 Beech B200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 2000 involved a Beech B200, registration N895TT, operated by Edward L. Terry, at Jackson, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misreading the visual approach lighting system, resulting in his failure to maintain proper alignment with the runway and his selection of an improper touchdown point. Factors were the low ceiling weather conditions and the snow covered runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20346. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.