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Pilot Lands in Snow Off Runway After Unsuccessful Light Activation (N6192A)

Pittsfield, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 18, 1993, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration N6192A) operated by Cianbro Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsfield, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate inflight decision to continue a landing without runway lights, and his delay in initiating a go-around. A related factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to activate runway boundary lights from 10 miles out and in the traffic pattern but failed. Descending using VASI, he touched down in 18 inches of snow 60 feet right of the runway, mistaking snowmobile tracks for the runway. A go-around was attempted but resulted in nose gear collapse.

Accident Narrative

The pilot attempted to activate the radio-controlled runway boundary lights from approximately 10 miles away and also while in the traffic pattern, but was unsuccessful. He continued his descent to about 500 feet above the ground using the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) lights. The pilot stated that he had the airport in sight and felt well enough in sight to complete the landing.

The airplane touched down in approximately 18 inches of snow, 60 feet off the right side of the runway. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction. He said that as he got closer to the ground he realized it was snowmobile tracks and not the runway. He tried to go-around but the airplane impacted the ground, collapsing the nose gear.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as determined by the official investigation, was the pilot's inadequate inflight decision to continue a landing without runway lights, and his delay in initiating a go-around. A related factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 1993 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident near Pittsfield, United States of America?

A pilot attempted to activate runway boundary lights from 10 miles out and in the traffic pattern but failed. Descending using VASI, he touched down in 18 inches of snow 60 feet right of the runway, mistaking snowmobile tracks for the runway. A go-around was attempted but resulted in nose gear collapse.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Feb 1993 Piper PA-31 Cheyenne accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 1993 involved a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne, registration N6192A, operated by Cianbro Corporation, at Pittsfield, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate inflight decision to continue a landing without runway lights, and his delay in initiating a go-around. A related factor was the pilot's overconfidence in his ability.

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