Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glidepath on the landing approach, and the failure of the pilot to select a proper touchdown point. Factors to the accident were the lack of runway lights, the dusk light condition, and the ditch.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 3, 1999, at 2050 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N1996T, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it ran off the end of runway 19 (2,200 feet by 100 feet, dry/turf), during a landing at Keil Airport near Dongola, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. No injuries to the pilot or three passengers were reported. The flight originated from the Williamson County Regional Airport near Marion, Illinois approximately 2030.
Post accident examination revealed damage to the firewall, stabilator, main landing gear and wings. The main landing gear trunions were separated from the wing structure. No preexisting anomalies were found, and none were reported by the pilot.
In a written report, the pilot stated that, on the landing approach, he "... was slightly high... ." The pilot also stated that the north end of the airport had been having work done and that it dropped off steeply on both sides. The pilot stated that he "aimed for a point where it no longer dropped off so steeply." The pilot also stated that he was unfamiliar with the airport.
The Keil Airport is a private airport and does not have runway lights. According to United States Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department internet site, sunset for the accident day occurred at 2021 and the end of civil twilight occurred at 2052.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI99LA217