Casualties unknown

Wing Contact Between Aerostar and Piper Malibu on Runway (N302H)

Dunkirk, NY, US

On December 14, 2005, a Piper PA-46-310P (registration N302H) operated by Richard Schneider was involved in an aviation accident near Dunkirk, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Piper Malibu pilot's failure to use the correct radio frequency for traffic advisories, and his selection of the wrong, inactive runway, which resulted in an on-ground collision with another airplane while 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An Aerostar landing on runway 15 and a Piper Malibu landing on runway 6 had their right wings contact at the runway intersection. The Malibu pilot used an outdated radio frequency.

Incident Overview

An Aerostar and a Piper Malibu experienced a wing-to-wing contact at the intersection of runways 15 and 6. The Aerostar was landing on runway 15, while the Malibu was landing on runway 6.

Aerostar Operations

The pilot of the Aerostar used the current Unicom frequency and was advised that the winds favored runway 15, which was the active runway. The pilot flew a left traffic pattern for runway 15, broadcast position reports, and monitored a Cessna also operating in the pattern for the same runway. No other traffic was observed during the landing on runway 15.

Piper Malibu Operations

The pilot of the Piper Malibu reported a 9-mile final approach for runway 6 on a radio frequency that had been out of date for over one year. The pilot did not observe any other traffic and proceeded to land on runway 6. The Malibu pilot was using a global positioning system and did not refer to onboard approach charts, which listed the correct frequency.

Wind Conditions

The reported wind around the time of the incident was from 130 degrees at 11 knots.

Aircraft Damage

The right wings of both aircraft made contact at the runway intersection. No further details on damage are available.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 2005 Piper PA-46-310P accident near Dunkirk, NY?

An Aerostar landing on runway 15 and a Piper Malibu landing on runway 6 had their right wings contact at the runway intersection. The Malibu pilot used an outdated radio frequency.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 2005 involved a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N302H, operated by Richard Schneider, at Dunkirk, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Piper Malibu pilot's failure to use the correct radio frequency for traffic advisories, and his selection of the wrong, inactive runway, which resulted in an on-ground collision with another airplane while landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051220X01994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.