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Airplane Veers Off Runway After Touchdown During Night Instrument Approach (N190PH)

Worthington, MN, US

On January 5, 2006, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N190PH) operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Worthington, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The missed approach not performed by the pilot and the directional control not maintained by the pilot during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night precision instrument approach to runway 29, an airplane veered left after touchdown, departing the runway into snow and folding the nose wheel landing gear. The airport AWOS was later found to be iced over, inhibiting wind sensors.

Sequence of Events

The airplane was conducting a precision instrument approach and landing on runway 29. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. After touchdown, the airplane moved "quickly" to the left, departed the side of the runway, and entered snow. The nose wheel landing gear folded during the event.

Weather Information

The pilot stated that the airport's automated weather observing system (AWOS) reported calm winds. However, the pilot considered this inaccurate and checked reports from surrounding AWOSs, which indicated winds from the northwest at 8 to 11 knots. The maximum demonstrated crosswind for the airplane is 17 knots.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, inspection of the airport's AWOS revealed that the unit was covered with ice, which inhibited operation of the wind speed and direction sensors. The Federal Aviation Administration had no record of a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) being issued on the day of the accident pertaining to the airport AWOS.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 2006 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Worthington, MN?

During a night precision instrument approach to runway 29, an airplane veered left after touchdown, departing the runway into snow and folding the nose wheel landing gear. The airport AWOS was later found to be iced over, inhibiting wind sensors.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jan 2006 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 2006 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N190PH, operated by Pilot, at Worthington, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The missed approach not performed by the pilot and the directional control not maintained by the pilot during landing. Contributing factors were the crosswind, wind information not available due to inoperative meteorological equipment, and a Notices to Airman not issued by airport personnel indicating that the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060113X00071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.