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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 31, 1996 · Piper PA-24-260 · N9101P

Matawan, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 31, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Matawan, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-260
Tail Number
N9101P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA081

The pilot planned to perform three landings to runway 27, a 2156 foot long, 40 foot wide runway with obstructions at both ends, for his recent currency experience. During the third landing while on final approach, the pilot stated that the airplane sunk and struck the ground. The airplane came to rest approximately 20 feet from the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that the weather was perfect, and he did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Additionally, postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance during final approach.

Full Narrative

On March 31, 1996, about 1335 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-260, N9101P, was substantially damaged when it landed short of runway 27, at the Malboro Airport, Matawan, New Jersey. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. There was no flight plan for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct three landings to obtain his recent currency experience. The pilot was conducting the landings to runway 27, which was a 2156 foot long, 40 foot wide runway, with obstructions at both ends. During the third landing, while on final approach, the airplane sank and impacted the ground. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and stated that the weather was perfect. Postaccident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest approximately 20 feet from the approach end of the runway. Additionally, there were no preimpact anomalies with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:35 EST
Nearest AirportMARLBORO (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2156 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-24-260
Tail NumberN9101P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data