No fatalities

Instrument Instructional Flight Struck Ground During Go-Around After Encountering Fog (N4559X)

Westhampton Bch, NY, US

On April 15, 1986, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N4559X) was involved in an aviation accident near Westhampton Bch, NY. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night instrument instructional flight, after two successful instrument approaches, the aircraft struck the ground 60 ft right of the runway during a go-around after losing visibility in fog. Both occupants were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

An instrument instructional flight returned to the airport late at night and successfully completed two instrument approaches with missed approaches. The pilots had been advised of a low layer of fog on the airport.

Sequence of Events

On the third and final approach, after going visual, the aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and the pilots still had the runway in sight. The pilot lost forward visibility at approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL) after entering a low layer of fog at 150 feet AGL. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and attempted a go-around. During the attempted go-around, the aircraft struck the ground 60 feet to the right side of the runway.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft received substantial damage. The two occupants were uninjured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 1986 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Westhampton Bch, NY?

During a night instrument instructional flight, after two successful instrument approaches, the aircraft struck the ground 60 ft right of the runway during a go-around after losing visibility in fog. Both occupants were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 1986 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 1986 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N4559X, at Westhampton Bch, NY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33404. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.