No fatalities

Emergency Diversion and Runway Overrun During En-Route Flight (N320L)

Charleston-Yaeger (Kanawha), United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 10, 1969, a Howard Super Ventura (Howard 500) (registration N320L) operated by Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV Aerospace) was involved in an aviation accident near Charleston-Yaeger (Kanawha), United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the powerplant failure could not be determined. However, it was reported that the pilot-in-command misjudged distance and speed upon landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft diverted to Charleston-Kanawha Airport after a right engine failure en route from Washington-Dulles to Dallas. The plane overran the runway during final approach, resulting in a fire that destroyed the airframe, though all seven occupants evacuated safely.

Incident Overview

During a scheduled flight from Washington-Dulles Airport to Dallas, the crew encountered technical issues with the right engine while maintaining cruising altitude. In response to the malfunction, the flight deck initiated standard emergency procedures, which included shutting down the affected engine and feathering its propeller to reduce drag.

Diversion and Approach

Following the engine shutdown, air traffic control cleared the aircraft to divert to Charleston-Kanawha Airport for an emergency landing. As the airplane began its final approach to Runway 23, a verbal interference occurred involving the pilot supervisor. This interaction reportedly affected the landing dynamics, leading to a touchdown approximately 3,000 feet down the runway.

Outcome and Investigation Findings

The runway at Charleston-Kanawha Airport has a total length of 5,600 feet. Due to the late touchdown point, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance. Consequently, the plane overran the end of the runway and came to rest on a dirt bank, where it caught fire. The structure was completely destroyed by the flames. However, all seven occupants on board successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury.

Official investigation findings indicated that the precise cause of the powerplant failure could not be determined. However, the report noted that the pilot-in-command misjudged both distance and speed during the landing phase, contributing to the overrun.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the powerplant failure could not be determined. However, it was reported that the pilot-in-command misjudged distance and speed upon landing.