NTSB Factual Report

On March 27, 2003, about 0745 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28RT-201, N8098Q, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing after takeoff from Camden County Airport (19N), Berlin, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot was not injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that prior to the accident flight, he performed maintenance on the airplane's engine, with the cowling open. The pilot believed that after the maintenance, he did not properly secure the left side of the cowling. He subsequently departed on runway 23, a 3,102-foot long, 45-foot wide, asphalt runway. About 300 feet above the ground, the left-side cowling unlatched and repeatedly struck the windshield. The pilot then made a left turn back toward the airport in an attempt to land on runway 5. However, the airplane landed hard on a grass area between runway 5 and the taxiway. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid to a stop.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that both main landing gear had sheared off the airplane, and the nose gear collapsed. Additionally, both wings and the fuselage were compressed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which led to an unsecured cowling and loss of aircraft control. Factors were the pilot's diverted attention and the unsecured cowling.