On October 5, 2005, a Beech C23 (registration N9738L) was involved in an aviation accident near Higginsville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airport operator's failure to properly mark the runway construction project, the exposed lip at the runway end, and the pilot's failure to obtain NOTAM information prior to the flight. A factor was the inadequate marking of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was damaged when it landed on an un-paved runway extension under construction and struck the end of the existing runway. The pilot reported no visible markings indicating the extension was unusable.
Accident Details
The airplane sustained damage when it landed on the un-paved portion of a runway under construction and subsequently struck the end of the existing runway. The impact caused all three landing gear to separate from the aircraft.
Pilot Statement
In a written statement, the pilot stated that he had landed on the unfinished portion of a runway extension, which was approximately 8 inches lower than the existing runway. He noted that there were no markings visible from the air to indicate that the extension was not usable.
Runway Condition
Plywood chevrons were placed in the grass adjacent to the sides of the runway extension. However, no markings were present on the new runway extension itself.
NOTAM
The runway extension project was listed in a notice to airmen (NOTAM).
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Oct 2005 Beech C23 accident near Higginsville, MO?
An airplane was damaged when it landed on an un-paved runway extension under construction and struck the end of the existing runway. The pilot reported no visible markings indicating the extension was unusable.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Oct 2005 involved a Beech C23, registration N9738L, at Higginsville, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The airport operator's failure to properly mark the runway construction project, the exposed lip at the runway end, and the pilot's failure to obtain NOTAM information prior to the flight. A factor was the inadequate marking of the runway.
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