Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Houses and Parked Cars During Night Approach in Fog (N8259E)

Williamstown, NJ, US

On March 14, 1986, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8259E) was involved in an aviation accident near Williamstown, 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

An aircraft executing a VOR runway 09 approach at night in low visibility due to fog collided with a house, two parked cars, and a second house about half a mile east of the airport. The pilot was returning from a business trip.

Circumstances

The pilot was conducting a VOR runway 09 approach to the airport under night conditions. Visibility was reduced to between 100 and 400 feet due to fog. The pilot was returning home from a business trip that had occurred on the day of and the day before the accident.

Sequence of Events

During the approach, the aircraft first struck a house, then two parked cars, and finally impacted a second house. The accident site was located approximately one-half mile east of the airport and north of the extended runway 09/27 centerline. At the time of impact, the aircraft was headed northwest.

Witness Accounts

Several witnesses reported hearing engine sounds just prior to the collision. No further details about the aircraft’s configuration or flight path were provided.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Mar 1986 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Williamstown, NJ?

An aircraft executing a VOR runway 09 approach at night in low visibility due to fog collided with a house, two parked cars, and a second house about half a mile east of the airport. The pilot was returning from a business trip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Mar 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8259E, at Williamstown, NJ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33154. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.