Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention to a landing gear indicator light that led to a loss of directional control and subsequent impact with terrain while taxiing.
NTSB analysis
During an after-landing taxi on a closed and unbarricaded taxiway, the pilot noticed a flickering landing gear indicator light. When the pilot diverted his attention to the indicator light, the airplane veered off the closed taxiway and into a drainage ditch that was under construction adjacent to the taxiway. A notice to airman (NOTAM) for the taxiway closure had been issued and was also known by the pilot.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Richmond, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Richmond Municipal Airport (RID)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-32R-300
- N-number
- N38205
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.