Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Directional Control During Landing on Turf Runway (N316MA)

Bardstown, KY, US

On March 10, 2004, a Diamond Aircraft Industries DA-40 (registration N316MA) operated by Shawn Honaker was involved in an aviation accident near Bardstown, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a slip to lose altitude before landing on a 2,500-foot turf runway, touched down halfway, retracted flaps, and applied maximum braking. The airplane veered left, ran off the runway, and spun 180 degrees before striking a knoll, substantially damaging both wings.

Approach and Landing

The pilot circled the field twice before preparing for a landing to the south with full flaps. During the final approach, the pilot flew as close as possible to the trees and then performed a slip maneuver to lose altitude. The airplane touched down halfway along the 2,500-foot-long turf runway.

Runway Excursion

After touchdown, the pilot retracted the flaps and applied maximum braking. According to the pilot, directional control was lost during the landing rollout. The airplane ran off the left side of the runway and spun 180 degrees.

Impact and Damage

During the excursion, the airplane struck a knoll. The impact substantially damaged both wings. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040402X00413. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.