Casualties unknown

Aborted Takeoff After Partial Power Loss Results in Runway Overrun and Ditching (N8339D)

Atlantic City, NJ, US

On December 7, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8339D) operated by Ervin Bender was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic City, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT AN OVERRUN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A PARTIAL POWER LOSS DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SYSTEM. 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

During takeoff on a 2,830-ft runway, the pilot aborted after engine failed to reach full power. The aircraft overran, went through a fence, and came to rest in a bay 3 ft deep. Post-crash inspection revealed an ignition problem.

Incident Overview

The pilot was conducting a takeoff with two friends on board from a runway measuring 2,830 ft in length. Shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the engine did not develop full power, achieving only 1,800 rpm instead of the expected 2,600 rpm.

Sequence of Events

Approximately midway down the runway, the pilot deployed one notch of flaps in an attempt to become airborne. However, at about two-thirds of the runway length, the takeoff was aborted. The aircraft failed to stop before the departure end of the runway, ran off the end, through a cyclone fence, and into a bay that was 3 ft deep.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, a detailed examination of the aircraft was conducted. The examination found an ignition problem, which likely contributed to the engine's reduced power output. The aircraft sustained damage from the runway overrun and impact with the fence and water. No other issues were reported.

Note: No further details about the aircraft type, registration, location, or occupant injuries are available from the source material.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Dec 1990 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Atlantic City, NJ?

During takeoff on a 2,830-ft runway, the pilot aborted after engine failed to reach full power. The aircraft overran, went through a fence, and came to rest in a bay 3 ft deep. Post-crash inspection revealed an ignition problem.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Dec 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8339D, operated by Ervin Bender, at Atlantic City, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO PREVENT AN OVERRUN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE A PARTIAL POWER LOSS DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SYSTEM.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24807. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.