N2973Y

On November 13, 1997, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N2973Y, was substantially damaged when it departed the runway and struck a fence after landing at the Sky Manor Airport (N40), Pittstown, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at South Jersey Regional Airport (VAY), exact time unknown. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to do some sightseeing en route to N40 for lunch. She departed Runway 08 at VAY and expected to land on runway 07 at N40. During the approach to N40 she was "surprised" to see traffic landing on Runway 25 and called on the advisory frequency for the active runway. A pilot that just landed advised that he had used Runway 25 and had encountered a crosswind.

The accident pilot then entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 25. She said:

"I was a bit concerned knowing that the runway length was rather short. ...I made final preparations to land, set my third set of flaps, and completely reduced power, knowing that the plane has a strong tendency to float. I believe that I might have had somewhat of a tailwind at the time. As I touched down, I realized that my speed was in excess of what it should have been. However, I was not certain that I would be able to take off again...[I] felt committed to landing the aircraft."

The pilot said she was unable to stop on the runway and steered the airplane onto the infield sod.

According to a New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics Memorandum:

"...[The airplane] veered to the right and exited the runway approximately 100 [feet] from the end. The aircraft continued traveling and hit a large rock at the property line that sheared the nose gear. The aircraft slid across the adjoining driveway, struck and went through a wooden fence, at which time the right main gear went through the wing. The aircraft rotated to the right and came to a stop approximately 40 feet inside the fence line."

Weather reported at the Allentown Airport, 22 miles west of N40, was: ceiling 7,500 overcast with 10 miles of visibility. The winds were from 120 degrees at 6 knots.

The pilot was issued a private pilot certificate three weeks prior to the accident. She reported 104 hours of flight experience, of which 3.7 hours were in make and model. In the Recommendation section of the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented), the pilot stated she should have received more instruction in this make and model airplane. Additionally, she stated a go-around should have been performed because her "...comfort level was not good."