On September 17, 1984, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N478KT) was involved in an aviation accident near Linden, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with an unmarked utility pole 583 feet from the runway threshold during a night visual landing. The pilot had limited night experience at the airport. No mechanical malfunction or pilot impairment was found. The defective ELT delayed detection.
Accident Overview
An aircraft collided with a utility pole during a visual approach for a night landing. The pole, which was unmarked, stood 58 feet high and was located approximately 583 feet from the runway threshold. The pilot had completed one previous night landing at the airport and a total of five landings at the airport overall.
Investigation Findings
The investigation did not disclose evidence of any malfunction of the aircraft. No physical impairment or incapacitation of the pilot was identified. The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was defective and did not activate as a result of the impact.
Post-Accident Response
A search was initiated about one and a half hours after the accident occurred. The aircraft was located on the airport grounds approximately 30 minutes after the search began.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Sept 1984 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Linden, NJ?
An aircraft collided with an unmarked utility pole 583 feet from the runway threshold during a night visual landing. The pilot had limited night experience at the airport. No mechanical malfunction or pilot impairment was found. The defective ELT delayed detection.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Sept 1984 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N478KT, at Linden, NJ.
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