Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion During Landing at Hackettstown Due to Brake Confusion (N8478W)

Hackettstown, NJ, US

On October 1, 1982, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8478W) operated by Enginaires Aero Club, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hackettstown, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft overran Runway 05 after landing; CFI lacked foot brakes on his side, requested brakes from private pilot; aircraft hit dirt mounds and gear collapsed.

Overview

A private pilot, who was a foreign national, occupied the left front seat of the aircraft, while a certified flight instructor (CFI) sat in the right front seat. The flight was destined for Hackettstown, New Jersey, where the CFI and a passenger planned to deplane. The private pilot and another passenger intended to continue to Teterboro, New Jersey.

Sequence of Events

While arriving at Hackettstown, the CFI requested to take control of the aircraft, and the private pilot agreed. The aircraft was landing on Runway 05 in calm wind conditions. During the landing, the aircraft touched down within the first third of the runway.

After touchdown, the CFI attempted to apply the brakes but discovered that the right side was not equipped with foot brakes. He then requested that the private pilot apply the brakes, but the private pilot questioned the request. By this time, the CFI had raised the flaps and repeated his demand for the private pilot to apply brakes. The CFI subsequently reached for the hand brake but was unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway.

Aftermath

The aircraft continued off the end of the runway and struck dirt mounds, causing the landing gear to collapse.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1982 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Hackettstown, NJ?

Aircraft overran Runway 05 after landing; CFI lacked foot brakes on his side, requested brakes from private pilot; aircraft hit dirt mounds and gear collapsed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8478W, operated by Enginaires Aero Club, Inc., at Hackettstown, NJ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05046. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.