No fatalities

Airplane Slides off Wet Turf Runway After Landing (N4812T)

Louisville, KY, US

On June 18, 2006, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4812T) operated by Steven Rhine was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, KY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor in the accident was the wet grassy runway. 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

A pilot lost directional control during landing on a wet turf runway, causing the airplane to slide, exit the runway, strike a fence, and come to rest in a ditch. No mechanical issues were found.

Incident Description

According to the pilot, the landing was conducted on runway 11, a turf runway measuring 2,000 feet in length and 100 feet in width. The pilot reported that the runway surface was wet at the time of the landing. Upon touchdown and application of brakes, the airplane experienced a sharp yaw to the right and began to slide. The pilot responded by adding power, which allowed him to regain directional control. However, the airplane continued beyond the end of the runway, colliding with a fence before coming to a stop in a ditch.

A witness who observed the event stated that the airplane "landed long on the wet grass runway."

Aircraft Examination

A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical deficiencies. The aircraft's systems and components were found to be functioning normally, with no evidence of pre-existing faults.

Weather Conditions

Weather reported at an airport located 6 miles to the north at 1656 hours included wind from 180 degrees at 14 knots, visibility of 4 miles, light rain, and mist. These conditions may have contributed to the wet runway surface.

Investigation

The incident was investigated, and the pilot's account was consistent with the physical evidence at the scene. No probable cause was determined by the investigating authority.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 2006 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Louisville, KY?

A pilot lost directional control during landing on a wet turf runway, causing the airplane to slide, exit the runway, strike a fence, and come to rest in a ditch. No mechanical issues were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 2006 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4812T, operated by Steven Rhine, at Louisville, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor in the accident was the wet grassy runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060727X01032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.