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Casualties unknown

Low-Time Pilot Encounters Turbulence, Hard Landing Leads to Runway Excursion (N3008F)

Lakewood, NJ, US

On April 18, 1993, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N3008F) operated by Obrien Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lakewood, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND SWERVE AND A COLLISION WITH TREES. THE ADVERSE WIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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

A low-time private pilot on a pleasure flight experienced moderate turbulence and returned to the departure airport. On final approach, gusting crosswinds caused a hard landing, bounce, and veer off the runway into scrub trees.

Incident Overview

A low-time private pilot departed on a pleasure flight with the stated intent of building flight time. During the flight, the pilot encountered moderate turbulence and decided to return to the departure airport. On final approach to runway 24, the airplane again encountered turbulence and gusting crosswinds.

Flight Details

As the airplane approached the runway, it dropped an estimated 8 feet, bounced upon touchdown, and then landed hard. The subsequent impact caused the airplane to veer left off the runway and collide with small scrub trees.

Weather Conditions

A weather observation from a local military base reported winds from 320 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots, with wind direction variable between 250 degrees and 350 degrees.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Apr 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Lakewood, NJ?

A low-time private pilot on a pleasure flight experienced moderate turbulence and returned to the departure airport. On final approach, gusting crosswinds caused a hard landing, bounce, and veer off the runway into scrub trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N3008F, operated by Obrien Aviation, Inc., at Lakewood, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND SWERVE AND A COLLISION WITH TREES. THE ADVERSE WIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12228. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.