FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Groundloops and Collapses After Landing on Runway 29 (N27360)

Atlantic City, NJ, US

On September 14, 1983, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N27360) operated by Aztec Air East was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic City, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to remain on the runway longer than necessary due to uncertainty about another aircraft, which led to reaching the end of the paved surface and executing a sharp turn that caused the right main gear to collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on runway 29, the pilot delayed exiting to monitor another aircraft on runway 11. Reaching the end of the paved surface, a sharp turn to avoid a fence caused the aircraft to groundloop and collapse its right main gear.

What happened

Upon touchdown on runway 29, the pilot became concerned about the position of another aircraft that was simultaneously landing on runway 11. Although the landing distance was long, the pilot elected to remain on the ground rather than exit early due to uncertainty regarding the other aircraft's location. When the aircraft reached the end of the runway, the pilot turned the aircraft sharply to avoid overrunning and striking a fence. This maneuver caused the aircraft to groundloop, resulting in the collapse of the right main rear gear.

The investigation

The examination focused on the mechanical failure following the groundloop. The primary finding was the structural collapse of the right main landing gear assembly after the aircraft lost directional control during the emergency turn at the end of the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to remain on the runway longer than necessary due to uncertainty about another aircraft, which led to reaching the end of the paved surface and executing a sharp turn that caused the right main gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 1983 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Atlantic City, NJ?

During landing on runway 29, the pilot delayed exiting to monitor another aircraft on runway 11. Reaching the end of the paved surface, a sharp turn to avoid a fence caused the aircraft to groundloop and collapse its right main gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 1983 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N27360, operated by Aztec Air East, at Atlantic City, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to remain on the runway longer than necessary due to uncertainty about another aircraft, which led to reaching the end of the paved surface and executing a sharp turn that caused the right main gear to collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.