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Airplane Collides with Airport Sign and Runway Lights During Landing Flare (N531HP)

Palo Alto, CA, US

On January 8, 2006, a Cessna T206H (registration N531HP) was involved in an aviation accident near Palo Alto, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in a collision with multiple objects. 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 airplane struck an airport sign and runway lights during the landing flare after the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. The pilot executed a go-around and diverted; a no-flap landing was performed. Investigation determined a passenger leaning against the door deactivated the flap limit switch.

Event Description

During the landing flare, the airplane collided with multiple airport objects. While in the traffic pattern for landing, the pilot was unable to lower the flaps. In the flare, the pilot lost sight of the runway and allowed the airplane to drift off the runway surface, where it struck an airport sign and runway lights.

Landing and Diversion

After the collision, the pilot performed a go-around. Unable to assess the extent of the damage, he elected to divert to another airport with longer and wider runways. The pilot subsequently made a landing without flaps at the alternate airport.

Investigation Findings

Maintenance personnel reported that the right rear passenger door contains a door/flap limit switch. When the door is ajar or open, this switch prevents flap extension. The system was functionally tested and operated normally. The investigation determined that the right rear passenger was leaning against the door, thereby deactivating the door/flap limit switch. No other discrepancies were noted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jan 2006 Cessna T206H accident near Palo Alto, CA?

An airplane struck an airport sign and runway lights during the landing flare after the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. The pilot executed a go-around and diverted; a no-flap landing was performed. Investigation determined a passenger leaning against the door deactivated the flap limit switch.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jan 2006 Cessna T206H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jan 2006 involved a Cessna T206H, registration N531HP, at Palo Alto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment, which resulted in a collision with multiple objects.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060210X00192. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.