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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 16, 1997 · Piper PA-32-300 · N321HP

Belmar, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 16, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Belmar, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N321HP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA078

The student pilot (SP)/owner of the airplane stated he remained in the traffic pattern and performed three takeoffs and landings, each to a full stop. During his fourth approach to runway 32, the airplane landed on the nose wheel, bounced into the air, then landed again. During the second touchdown the nose gear collapsed. The SP then steered the airplane off the left side of the runway into sand resulting in further damage. The SP had accumulated about 54 hours of total flight experience, of which 46 hours was in make and model. The SP's total solo experience was 3.5 hours, all in make and model, 1 hour of which was the accident flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper decision to taxi off the runway into sand after the nose gear collapsed. A factor in the accident was the student pilot's improper flare.

Full Narrative

On April 16, 1997, at 0915 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N321HP, was substantially damaged during landing at the Allaire Airport, Belmar, New Jersey. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the solo instructional flight that originated at Allaire (BLM), about 0815. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the student pilot (SP)/owner of the airplane stated that he had remained in the BLM traffic pattern, and performed three takeoffs and landings, each to a full stop. During his fourth approach to runway 32, the airplane landed on the nose wheel, bounced into the air, then landed again. During the second touchdown the nose gear collapsed. The SP held the nose off, then using the brakes, steered the airplane off the left side of the runway into sand. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector's report stated, the SP exited the left side of the runway where there was no taxiway, and the airplane nose gear sunk into loose sand. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failure of the airframe or engine. The SP had accumulated about 54 hours of total flight experience, of which 46 hours was in make and model. The SP's total solo experience was 3.5 hours, all in make and model, 1 hour of which was the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 EDT
Nearest AirportALLAIRE (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length5080 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN321HP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 1 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:13
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data