# NTSB IAD97LA089: Piper PA-28, N9268W, Morgantown, PA, June 14, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1997, 00:30 local (04:30 UTC)
- Place: Morgantown, PA
- Coordinates: 40.150524, -75.900573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1505&lon=-75.9006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28205
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28205/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA089

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to attempt a landing on and his failure to align with an unlighted runway at night. Factors were the lack of runway lighting and the night light condition.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - not available on selected runway (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not attained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting.  However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing.  At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop 15 feet south of the runway.  All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged

## Factual narrative

On June 14, 1997, at about 0030 eastern daylight time a Piper PA-28, N9268W, owned and operated by the private pilot collided with the ground 15 feet south of runway 28, while attempting to land without runway lighting, at the Morgantown airport, Morgantown, Pennsylvania.  The pilot and sole occupant was not injured, however, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.  Visual Meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed.  The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he keyed his mike several times in an attempt to activate the runway lighting.  However, his attempts were unsuccessful. The pilot stated that he believed that he had the runway in sight, even without the lights, and continued with his approach and landing.  At touchdown the pilot said he felt a jolt and the airplane came to an immediate stop.  All three landing gear collapsed and both wings were substantially damaged.  The owner/pilot failed to submit an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 by the time of this report.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9268W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9268W-1998-03-05), registration cancelled 1998-03-05, S/N 2810941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-10941
- Engines: Lycoming O-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wendell L. May
- Registered owner: Morgantown Aero Corp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: DAA, FT BELVOR, VA
- Destination: GPA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: PA, Morgantown, runway 28, 2,600 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19970614014219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970614014219A), Jun 14, 1997: Piper PA28140FL, Morgantown, PA, Substantial damage. Tried to land at night sans runway lighting. Landed short collapsed the landing gear. Damaged wings.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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