According to the pilot, the runway he intended to depart from at the airport in Waycross, Georgia, was parallel to the taxiway and parking ramp. He assumed that after making two right turns he would be on the runway.
He reported that he did not have any airport diagrams to navigate with, while operating on the airport movement area.
Following his second right turn he noticed a runway sign, announced his intention to depart over the common traffic advisory frequency, taxied onto what he assumed was the runway, observed “faded yellow chevrons,” and added power for takeoff.
During the takeoff roll he observed crossing the runway he assumed he was on, and the paved surface he was on was ending. He retarded the throttle and applied brakes.
The Cessna 182 exited the paved surface and nosed over, coming to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and vertical stabilizer.
The airport diagram, and the pilot’s own drawing of the accident event, revealed the need to make three right turns prior to being on the runway.
According to an FAA inspector, the runway was “clearly identifiable” and the markings were visible.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to use any airport guidance while taxiing, which resulted in geographic disorientation and a takeoff attempt from an inadequate length and unsuitable surface.
NTSB Identification: ERA15CA152
This March 2015 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
After looking at google maps of the place. No question the pilot made a mistake.
But the first mistake was made by whoever removed the pavement on Runway 13, this really looks strange. If they needed/wanted a shorter Runway 13, then “fix the taxiway correctly that was 13” OR “leave the pavement on 13 and just make it a displace threshold for 13”. Either way a taxiway modification should have been done.
Sarah A, you obviously haven’t flown over some ranch airports. Not to excuse the guy in question, but your statement is far from all-inclusive with respect to paved runways. There are several without markings within 20 minutes of my home base. And not just tiny ones.
From Google maps it looks like the runway next to the state prison has been ripped out. He may have been on the old runway. The number of turns match. Yellow lines not white NOT pilots delight!
Any relation to Han Solo aka Harrison Ford? If it doesn’t look a runway and doesn’t feel like a runway then it probably isn’t a runway.
From the FAA/Pilot interview in the NTSB accident Docket:
“Mr. Banerjee was asked if he had any airport diagram or chart to help him taxi so he would not get lost or disoriented. He stated no he did not and it was a simple taxi involving two (2) right turns.
Mr. Banerjee was informed that in looking at the airport diagram there would have been three right turns as it appears he was to taxi on a former part of runway 13. He stated that he understood that now.
Mr. Banerjee was asked if he ever verified his heading using the compass was similar to what was expected for the runway heading. He stated that he usually does however, he did not do so on the day of the accident.”
The big numbers painted on the end indicating runway heading should provide some guidance, I have never seen a paved runway without them. You just have to keep an open mind and not get locked into and decision.
About fifty years ago I flew a Beech Musketeer Super from Illinois to Wyoming with stops in Des Moines and Souix Falls. Departure from Illinois was delayed by fog until early afternoon. Departing DSM at dusk and arrival at FSD after dark on a moonless night went fine.
Departing at night, strange airport and a new 100 hour private pilot [me] I decided to request progressive taxi. When I got to the end of the taxi, ground control said I could runup where I was.
But that began a problem of a communication failure. I wasn’t at the runway. There were also some taxiway lights missing blue blue lenses.
I lined up on what I thought was the runway and began the take-off roll. Very quickly I realized that something was wrong and aborted the take-off. But the pavement ended and I was in grass that was at least 6 inches tall.
I made a mistake and taxied in a circle back to the pavement. I should have stopped and called for a tug to get me. But luck was with me, there were no ditches or obstructions. Taxied back to the FBO and put the plane in a well lighted hanger and found no damage, wrinkles or problems.
Lesson learned, a detailed taxi diagram is better than progressive taxi.
Pilot: this runway looks kinda short.
Passenger: yeah, but it’s very wiiiide . . .