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Airplane Damaged After Runway Excursion on Wet Grass (N8585Y)

Dongola, IL, US

On May 11, 2006, a Piper PA-30 (registration N8585Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Dongola, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's intentional maneuver to avoid obstructions at the end of the runway which resulted in the airplane impacting a ditch. The wet grass runway and the ditch were factors. 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 was damaged when it ran off a grass runway at a private airstrip. The pilot reported strong north winds and wet grass, which made braking difficult, leading to a veer into a ditch.

Accident Overview

An airplane was damaged when it departed the runway surface during landing at a private airstrip. The aircraft came to rest after contacting a ditch adjacent to the runway.

Pilot's Report

The pilot reported that upon arrival, winds were strong from the north. He elected to land into the wind, despite the runway sloping downhill in that direction. The pilot performed a slow approach in landing configuration before executing the landing. The touchdown was normal, but braking was intermittent for approximately 1,500 feet. The pilot stated that braking action was "almost impossible" due to the wet grass surface. To avoid tree stumps at the departure end of the runway, he veered the airplane to the left and off the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane.

Runway Information

The pilot listed Runway 35 as having a length of 2,000 feet and a width of 75 feet. The runway was composed of grass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2006 Piper PA-30 accident near Dongola, IL?

An airplane was damaged when it ran off a grass runway at a private airstrip. The pilot reported strong north winds and wet grass, which made braking difficult, leading to a veer into a ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 2006 Piper PA-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2006 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N8585Y, at Dongola, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's intentional maneuver to avoid obstructions at the end of the runway which resulted in the airplane impacting a ditch. The wet grass runway and the ditch were factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060612X00730. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.