On October 22, 2006, a Beech A36 (registration N200MW) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude during landing, which resulted in an undershoot and on ground collision with a dirt bank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot landing at night on a lighted runway touched down short of the pavement, hitting a dirt bank and collapsing both main landing gear. The pilot noted the runway lacked a visual approach slope indicator.
Incident Overview
A private certificated pilot conducting a night landing on a lighted runway experienced an off-runway touchdown. The airplane landed short of the paved surface and collided with a dirt bank, causing both main landing gear to collapse.
Pilot's Account
In a written report submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot stated that the chosen runway was not equipped with a visual approach slope indicator (VASI). He also noted that the runway was adjacent to an unlighted intercoastal waterway. During the final approach, the pilot added engine power, but the "aircraft did not respond as anticipated."
Aircraft Damage
Impact with the dirt bank resulted in the collapse of both main landing gear. No further details on damage extent were provided.