On April 14, 1997, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N29M) operated by Thomas W. Papperman was involved in an aviation accident near Lumberton, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in initiating remedial action to arrest an excessive descent rate during a go-around. A crosswind condition was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and passenger experienced a gust of wind on final approach, causing the airplane to strike the runway in a level attitude and bounce. The pilot reported no engine or flight control issues.
Approach and Landing
The pilot and passenger conducted an overflight of the airport and observed the windsock indicating the use of runway 01. While on final approach to runway 01, at an altitude of about 50 feet above the runway, the airplane encountered a sudden gust of wind from the left. The pilot added power and was about to retract the landing gear when the airplane struck the ground in a level attitude and bounced.
Post-Accident Observations
Following the accident, the pilot noted that the windsock was fully extended and pointing perpendicular to runway 01. Routine weather reports from a station 10 miles northeast of the airport indicated winds from 310 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot reported that there were no problems with the engine or flight controls.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Apr 1997 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Lumberton, NJ?
A pilot and passenger experienced a gust of wind on final approach, causing the airplane to strike the runway in a level attitude and bounce. The pilot reported no engine or flight control issues.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Apr 1997 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N29M, operated by Thomas W. Papperman, at Lumberton, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's delay in initiating remedial action to arrest an excessive descent rate during a go-around. A crosswind condition was a contributing factor.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…