1997-04-09: Piper PA-32-300 (N9768C) — Carl J. Mikuletzky — Vincentown, NJ
On April 9, 1997, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N9768C) operated by Carl J. Mikuletzky was involved in an aviation accident near Vincentown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in an on ground loss of control. A contributing factor was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in an on ground loss of control. A contributing factor was a crosswind.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The pilot reported that after touchdown on runway 5, he applied the brakes and the airplane swerved left. The airplane went of the left side of the runway and struck trees. FAA examination of the brake system did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. The wind report for a nearby airport was 340 degrees at 19 knots with gusts to 23 knots.