Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Aircraft Sinking on Approach During Currency Landing (N9101P)

Matawan, NJ, US

On March 31, 1996, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N9101P) was involved in an aviation accident near Matawan, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of altitude and distance during final approach. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing currency landings on runway 27 reported the airplane sank and struck the ground on the third approach. The aircraft came to rest 20 feet from the runway. The pilot noted perfect weather and no mechanical issues; postaccident examination found no preimpact anomalies.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting three landings to runway 27 at an airport to meet recent currency experience requirements. Runway 27 is 2,156 feet long and 40 feet wide, with obstructions at both ends. During the third landing, while on final approach, the pilot stated that the airplane sank and struck the ground. The airplane came to rest approximately 20 feet from the approach end of the runway.

Pilot Report and Conditions

The pilot reported that the weather was perfect and did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. No details regarding wind, visibility, or other weather elements were provided.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The absence of mechanical issues was consistent with the pilot's report.

Findings

The investigation did not identify a probable cause. The available information indicates the aircraft descended below the intended glide path on final approach, but no specific factor was cited as causal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05476. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.