Hat tip to Mike Collins of the AOPA Pilot Blog for noting a bizarre incident where a 24-year-old pilot landed a Piper Archer on New York City’s Rockaway Beach – roughly three miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport. He told authorities after it happened that “It happens all the time in Alaska!” However, they were not amused.
Mike also pointed out that the pilot’s conversation with air traffic control was downright bizarre and the controller even did everything he could to discourage the beach landing (The pilot was careful not to declare an emergency). Meanwhile, the NY Post has reported that the pilot was later rushed to the hospital from his home.
The FAA is reportedly still looking into the incident and no word on what, if any, action they will take.
Unbelievable!
NO WAY! NYC is a little more densely populated than Alaska. I hope there was no one on the beach, that would be scary.
Veeery strange….
I have flown a Piper Warrior, and an Archer, on the exact route this so called pilot flew,including taking off from Republic where I originally learned to fly. I always felt that I had to be as professional as possible when talking to the Kennedy controllers. And, in flying right near right the Class B airspace, I was very careful to navigate carefully. This was in the days before GPS and moving map displays in light aircraft. Like most private pilots, I worked hard to develop the skills necessary to fly this route in a safe manner. It was a great sight-seeing trip for passengers new to flying in light-planes, before 911
The arrogance, and lack of professionalism of this so-called pilot makes my blood boil.
Couldn't agree more! Matthew