NYC95LA168

According to the pilot, during the approach, he 'did not like the looks of the airport since the runway (2670 x 50 ft) was short and narrow with trees on the approach (end). However, decided to land since I was supposed to meet NY son there. I was high and fast, but decided to make a landing despite poor approach.' Witnesses reported the airplane touched down and then 'porpoised' down the runway. The examination of the runway revealed the propeller and tail skid struck the surface. The pilot, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from his seat thru the right door, and onto the right wing during the impact sequence. The airplane went off the left side of the runway and struck an embankment.

On July 22, 1995, at 1000 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA- 28-235, N9390W, was substantially damaged while landing at Rensselaer County Airport, Poestenkill, New York. The private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and had departed Berlin, New Hampshire, at 0830.

In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated:

I arrived at Rensselaer Airport at 1000 hrs after a 1 1/2 hr flight from Berlin, NH (BML). Did not like the looks of the airport since the runway was short and narrow with trees on approach to RW [runway] 36. However decided to land since I was supposed to meet my son here. I was high and fast but decided to make a landing despite poor approach. Wrong Decision...I was thrown thru right door onto wing....

The FAA reported that witnesses observed the airplane fly the traffic pattern at a lower than normal altitude, and then turn final for runway 36. The winds were reported as calm, and the airplane was described as high and fast on final approach. After touchdown, the airplane porpoised on the runway, and left marks from the tail skid and propeller on the runway center line.

While in a nose high attitude, power was applied. The airplane yawed nose left, and departed the runway on the left side, about 2/3s of the way down the runway. It then struck a low embankment and trees, which separated the left wing from the fuselage. In addition, the right wing and fuselage were wrinkled.

When interviewed, the pilot reported he had removed his seat belt a few minutes earlier, and believed he had not re-fastened it at the time of the accident.

According to the FAA Airport Facility Directory, runway 36 was 2670 feet long, 50 feet wide, and had an asphalt surface.