On July 22, 1995, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9390W) was involved in an aviation accident near Poestenkill, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to continue an approach during which the airplane was high and fast, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing. The pilot's failure to use the seat belt was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed despite a poor approach to a short, narrow runway with trees, porpoised, struck the runway with propeller and tail skid, was ejected from his seat, and the airplane ran off the runway into an embankment.
Approach and Decision to Land
According to the pilot, during the approach he did not like the appearance of the airport because the runway was short (2670 ft) and narrow (50 ft) with trees at the approach end. However, he decided to land because he was supposed to meet his son there. He acknowledged that he was high and fast but chose to land despite the poor approach.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the airplane touched down and then porpoised down the runway.
Runway Examination
Examination of the runway revealed that the propeller and tail skid had struck the surface.
Pilot Ejection and Final Location
The pilot was not wearing a seat belt. During the impact sequence, he was ejected from his seat through the right door and onto the right wing. The airplane then went off the left side of the runway and struck an embankment.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Jul 1995 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Poestenkill, NY?
A pilot landed despite a poor approach to a short, narrow runway with trees, porpoised, struck the runway with propeller and tail skid, was ejected from his seat, and the airplane ran off the runway into an embankment.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jul 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9390W, at Poestenkill, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's decision to continue an approach during which the airplane was high and fast, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing. The pilot's failure to use the seat belt was a factor.