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Instruction Flight Ends in Runway Excursion at Mount Washington Regional Airport (N8182A)

Whitefield, NH, US

On July 20, 1998, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8182A) was involved in an aviation accident near Whitefield, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing roll. Contributing factors were the instructor pilot's improper in-flight decision, tailwind and gusty conditions, and wet (standing water) runway conditions. 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

During an instruction flight, a CFI executed a localizer approach to Mount Washington Regional Airport. The airplane touched down halfway down the runway, departed the runway after brakes had no effect and directional control was marginal.

Incident Details

A flight instructor (CFI) was conducting an instructional flight and received a clearance to execute the localizer runway 10 approach to Mount Washington Regional Airport. The airport's runway measures 3,495 feet in length. The CFI intended to make a full-stop landing.

Landing Conditions

The CFI estimated approximately a quarter of an inch of standing water on the runway. Surface winds were reported as 300 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Due to the landing environment, the CFI decided to land the airplane herself, feeling it might be too difficult for her student. She maintained 90 mph on final approach because of the wind gusts.

Runway Excursion

According to the CFI, the airplane touched down on the centerline approximately halfway down the runway. After touchdown, the brakes had no effect, and directional control was marginal. The airplane then departed the runway.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jul 1998 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Whitefield, NH?

During an instruction flight, a CFI executed a localizer approach to Mount Washington Regional Airport. The airplane touched down halfway down the runway, departed the runway after brakes had no effect and directional control was marginal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jul 1998 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8182A, at Whitefield, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing roll. Contributing factors were the instructor pilot's improper in-flight decision, tailwind and gusty conditions, and wet (standing water) runway conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10682. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.