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Aircraft Exits Runway During Touch-and-Go Practice in Ground Fog (N4817K)

Pagosa Springs, CO, US

On January 18, 2001, a Cessna P210N (registration N4817K) operated by Harry P. Artis was involved in an aviation accident near Pagosa Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the runway during a night touch-and-go landing in ground fog, which resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

During a night flight practicing touch-and-go landings, the pilot lost visual reference in ground fog and veered off the runway into snow.

What happened

The incident occurred during a local night flight where the pilot was conducting practice touch-and-go landings. While executing the second landing of the session, the aircraft encountered ground fog during the rollout phase. The sudden reduction in visibility caused the pilot to lose visual reference with the runway environment. As a result, the aircraft departed from the left side of the paved surface and came to rest in approximately 15 inches of snow.

Findings

Investigation of the circumstances revealed that reported weather conditions at the time included clear skies and calm winds. However, the temperature and dew point spread was recorded at only 1 degree, creating conditions conducive to ground fog formation despite the clear sky report. The primary factor in the event was the loss of visual reference due to this localized fog during the critical landing roll phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the runway during a night touch-and-go landing in ground fog, which resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 2001 Cessna P210N accident near Pagosa Springs, CO?

During a night flight practicing touch-and-go landings, the pilot lost visual reference in ground fog and veered off the runway into snow.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jan 2001 Cessna P210N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N4817K, operated by Harry P. Artis, at Pagosa Springs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the runway during a night touch-and-go landing in ground fog, which resulted in the aircraft exiting the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010119X00330. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.