2000-10-28: Piper PA-34-200T — Fort Collins, CO

Casualties unknown • Fort Collins, CO, US

Probable cause

Failure by the pilot to follow instrument approach procedures and execute a missed approach when the runway environment was not in sight at decision height. A factor was low ceiling.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot was executing an ILS approach to an uncontrolled airport in low visibility conditions. He had his landing light and strobe lights on and failed to activate the pilot controlled runway lights. When his passenger informed him she saw lights, he went visual and could not see either the ground or runway environment. The aircraft drifted right and impacted the ground approximately 800 feet right and 1,000 feet down the runway. The landing gear collapsed and the aircraft slid to a stop on a taxiway adjacent to the ramp area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-10-28 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Fort Collins, CO?

The pilot was executing an ILS approach to an uncontrolled airport in low visibility conditions. He had his landing light and strobe lights on and failed to activate the pilot controlled runway lights. When his passenger informed him she saw lights, he went visual and could not see either the ground or runway…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-10-28 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N238Z, at Fort Collins, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure by the pilot to follow instrument approach procedures and execute a missed approach when the runway environment was not in sight at decision height. A factor was low ceiling.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22143. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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