N36355

On June 25, 2000, about 1430 Eastern Daylight Time, a Piper PA-28-161, N36355, was substantially damaged while landing at Trenton-Robbinsville Airport (N87), Robbinsville, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight departed McGuire Air Force Base, Wrightstown, New Jersey, about 1420.

The pilot stated that he landed "a good 1,000 feet down" Runway 29, a 4,275 foot long and 80 foot wide asphalt runway. According to his written statement, he experienced a strong left crosswind during the landing. The airplane traveled off the right side of the runway, onto grass. The pilot then attempted to abort the landing, but did not have enough airspeed or altitude to clear trees at the end of the runway. He then decided to commit to landing. The airplane traveled off the end of the runway, onto a golf course, and struck a tree.

Two witnesses at the airport stated that the airplane approached Runway 29 "fast." The airplane touched down about "two-thirds down the runway." It then traveled off the right side onto the grass, went beyond the end of the runway, and struck a tree. One witness heard the engine momentarily rev, but then reduce to idle power.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector observed damage to the right wing and landing gear.

At an airport approximately 10 miles away, at 1453, the reported wind was from 200 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots. At an airport approximately 12 miles away, at 1455, the reported wind was from 190 degrees, variable from 160 to 220 degrees, at 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots.