NTSB Factual Report

On February 23, 2002, about 1335 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N9182X, was substantially damaged during an overrun at Bader Field (AIY), Atlantic City, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from Braden Airpark, Easton, Pennsylvania.

The pilot stated that he initially flew over the airport to observe the windsock and traffic. He then flew a traffic pattern and landed on runway 29, a 2,948-foot long, 100-foot wide, asphalt runway. The pilot touched down with approximately two-thirds of the runway remaining, and applied the brakes. However, the wind forced the airplane off the right side of the runway. The pilot then tried to abort the landing, but the airplane struck vegetation, a fence, and finally came to rest in the water. The pilot added that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

A witness stated that the landing was the pilot's second attempt. The airplane touched down about 2,000 feet beyond the approach end of runway 29, "at taxiway b." After the touch down, the pilot was "hard on the brakes." The airplane then veered off the right side of the runway, through weeds, and disappeared from sight.

An Operations Specialist from the New Jersey Department of Transportation noted skid marks extending from the point of touchdown, which was about 1,000 feet prior to the end of the runway, to the right side of the runway.

The pilot obtained his private pilot certificate 20 days prior to the accident, and reported a total flight experience of approximately 114 hours.

The reported wind at an airport approximately 8 miles from the accident site, at 1354, was from 290 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to obtain a proper touchdown point.