Colts Neck Airport: Difference between revisions

Main Hangar & Ramp at Colts Neck Airport.

Colts Neck Airport (FAA LID: N61) was a small general-aviation airport in Colts Neck Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. It was located just south of the village of Colts Neck at latitude 40.278° N, longitude 74.182° W (near the Route 537/Route 34 intersection). The airport featured turf (grass) runways and served local private and recreational flying (flight training, glider operations, banner towing, etc.) until its closure. At its peak in the 1970s–80s, dozens of light aircraft and sailplanes were based there. The field had minimal facilities: several small hangars (including T‑hangars and a wood-framed main hangar) and an unpaved taxiway. By contrast with larger airports, it had no paved runways, control tower, or advanced services; pilots used a common Unicom frequency and mostly did their own fueling and maintenance. Today, the site of the airport is home to Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck and a neighborhood of McMansions.

An aerial view of Colts Neck Airport (N61) in 1970.

Established in 1938, Colts Neck Airport first appeared on sectional charts shortly after World War II with a roughly 2,400 ft unpaved runway. Through the 1950s and 1960s it remained a modest grass field, featuring two sod runways arranged in a cross pattern. Activity grew in the 1960s: by 1963 the field accommodated a dozen light aircraft, and by 1970 it hosted over twenty airplanes along with a thriving glider‑towing operation. Under manager Paul Wille in the 1970s and early 1980s, fixed‑base operators Sky Advertising and Wilco Aviation provided flight instruction, banner‑towing, and fueling services. Suburban development pressures ultimately led to its sale to a private developer and formal closure in August 1988. Within a decade, all airport structures were removed and the land was rezoned for residential use.

Facilities and Operations

Colts Neck Airport featured two turf runways: runway 6/24 measured approximately 2,500 ft in length, while runway 14/32 was about 2,060 ft long. Both runways supported daytime, VFR operations only. Taxiing surfaces consisted of grass and gravel, and pilots used a common UNICOM frequency for traffic advisories. The field elevation was approximately 100 ft above mean sea level. Hangar facilities were minimal, comprising several T‑hangars and a single wood‑frame building that also housed a basic office. Fuel was available on occasion, though contamination with water was a frequent complaint and caused several accidents at the airport throughout its history. Typical airport activities included private flight training, recreational flying, banner towing, and glider operations.

Accidents

On July 18, 1964, a Piper PA-18 (registration N305T) crashed at the airport during a commercial aerial advertising flight. The accident occurred around 12:00 PM when the aircraft stalled during a low pass, resulting in a post-impact fire. The aircraft was destroyed, and the 37-year-old commercial pilot, who held an instrument rating and had 2,045 total flight hours (with unknown time in type), was fatally injured. No passengers were aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be pilot incapacitation, possibly due to heat prostration. The crash phase was noted as "in-flight: low pass."

On October 28, 1964, a Cessna 150 (registration N5990E) was substantially damaged in a landing accident at the airport. The incident occurred around 5:00 PM during an instructional solo flight. The 24-year-old student pilot, who had 12 total flight hours (9 in type), ground-looped and nosed over during the landing roll. No injuries were reported.

On May 21, 1966, a Beech A23 Musketeer (registration N3534R) sustained substantial damage during a solo instructional flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 3:15 PM when the 42-year-old student pilot, who had 23 total flight hours (9 in type) , undershot the runway and made a hard landing during final approach. No injuries were reported.

On July 6, 1966, a Beech Bonanza 35 (registration N3909N) sustained substantial damage during a ferry flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 11:15 AM when the aircraft overshot the runway during landing roll and collided with a fence. The 36-year-old airline transport pilot, who had 9,000 total flight hours (9 in type), was uninjured.

On July 20, 1966, a Globe GC-1B Swift (registration N80862) sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff at the airport. The instructional flight's takeoff was aborted at 6:50 PM when the aircraft collided with a fence. The 22-year-old instructor pilot, an Airline Transport Pilot with 1,400 total hours (4 in type) who was instrument-rated, and the student pilot were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the instructor's delayed decision to abort takeoff, compounded by poor crew coordination as the student was operating the brakes during takeoff roll.

On July 23, 1966, a Boeing-Stearman D75 (registration N59269) sustained substantial damage following an engine failure during takeoff from the airport. The accident occurred at 7:30 AM during a ferry flight when the aircraft experienced a partial power loss during initial climb, leading to a forced landing in vegetation where it nosed over. The 36-year-old private pilot (450 total hours, 20 in type) and one passenger were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable cause to be inadequate preflight preparation, with water contamination found in the fuel system. Contributing factors included the aircraft's low altitude during the emergency and the tall vegetation at the forced landing site.

On January 6, 1967, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee (registration N4623R) sustained substantial damage during a landing attempt at the airport. The accident occurred at 10:15 AM when the aircraft, operating a personal flight, collided with a snowbank and experienced landing gear collapse during rollout. The 27-year-old commercial pilot (231 total hours, all in type) was uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain, having used Runway 32 after being advised Runway 24 was in use. Contributing factors included snow-covered runway conditions and a snowbank plowed from Runway 24 that obstructed Runway 32.

On February 12, 1967, a Cessna 150 (registration N3927U) sustained substantial damage during an instructional flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 4:05 PM when the 29-year-old student pilot (39 total hours, all in type) lost control during landing, resulting in a ground loop and collision with a snowbank. No injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation identified multiple factors, including the pilot's improper level-off and failure to recover from a bounced landing; Inadequate snow removal operations that reduced the usable runway width from 80 feet to 50 feet; and two-foot-high snowbanks bordering the narrowed landing area.

On May 21, 1967, a Cessna 150 (registration N6215T) sustained substantial damage during an instructional flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 1:05 PM when the 18-year-old student pilot, who had 16 total flight hours (all in type), undershot the runway during final approach and collided with a fence. No injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude during the landing approach.

On May 16, 1969, a Beech A23 Musketeer (registration N3557R) sustained substantial damage during an instructional flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 2:50 PM when the aircraft's right main landing gear separated in flight during normal cruise, followed by a ground loop during the subsequent landing roll. The 36-year-old student pilot, who had 47 total flight hours (all in aircraft type), was uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable cause to be fatigue failure of the main landing gear shock absorbing assembly. The separation of the right main landing gear in flight was noted as a significant factor in the accident.

On April 23, 1971, a Piper J-3 Cub (registration N88074) sustained substantial damage during an instructional flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 8:45 AM during takeoff when the aircraft collided with parked aircraft, Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer N2855Z. The 28-year-old commercial flight instructor (3,154 total hours, 101 in type, instrument-rated) and student pilot were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable cause to be the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, combined with the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

On November 10, 1972, a Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer (registration N5376Z) crashed during a solo instructional flight from the airport to Trenton, New Jersey. The accident occurred at 10:00 AM when the aircraft experienced complete engine failure during initial climb due to water-contaminated fuel, forcing the 25-year-old student pilot (14 total hours, all in type) to land in trees. The pilot was uninjured but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed multiple contributing factors: Inadequate preflight preparation by the pilot, water contamination in the airport's underground fuel tank, and insufficient fuel facility inspection by airport personnel.

On November 11, 1973, a Cessna 172 (registration N6023A) sustained substantial damage during a personal flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 5:00 PM when the aircraft made a hard landing that resulted in collapsed landing gear. The 30-year-old private pilot (919 total hours, 54 in type) and three passengers were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot's improper level-off during landing. Contributing factors included an overload failure of the landing gear. The pilot reported having rounded out too high during the landing approach.

On May 25, 1974, a Cessna 150 (registration N3127X) sustained substantial damage during a personal flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 3:30 PM when the 64-year-old student pilot (110 total hours, all in type) undershot the runway during final approach, landing 10 feet short and striking a 4-foot-deep ditch. The pilot sustained minor injuries while the aircraft was substantially damaged. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the probable causes to be the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude during approach, and failure to execute a go-around when the approach became unstable.

On August 30, 1974, a Beech A23 Musketeer (registration N3696Q) was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing at the airport amid adverse weather conditions. The accident occurred at 2:55 PM when the 34-year-old commercial pilot (509 total hours, 26 in type, instrument-rated) overshot the runway during a personal flight from Woodbine, New Jersey, to Amityville, New York. The aircraft overran into a cornfield, but the pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation identified multiple contributing factors: The pilot's rushed approach to avoid thunderstorms, resulting in misjudged speed and distance; Selection of unsuitable terrain for landing; Poorly planned approach amid turbulent weather conditions; and a wet runway and high vegetation at the airport. Weather conditions at the time included an 1,100-foot overcast ceiling, 25-knot winds from 250°, rain, and thunderstorm activity. The NTSB noted the pilot was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) without a flight plan.

On February 19, 1978, a Cessna 172 (registration N79957) sustained substantial damage during a personal flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 1:00 PM when the aircraft ground-looped during landing roll and collided with a snowbank on the unpaved runway. The 39-year-old private pilot (80 total hours, 4 in type) and two passengers were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing factors included a hazardous runway conditions with ice, slush, snow windrows a muddy surface.

On March 30, 1979, a Cessna 172 (registration N9297H) sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at the airport. The accident occurred at 5:30 PM during a local personal flight when the 47-year-old private pilot (130 total hours, only 3 in aircraft type) made an improper level-off, resulting in a bounced landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear. The pilot and two passengers were uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation determined the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing was the primary cause, and an overload failure of the landing gear occurred during the hard impact.

On June 21, 1980, a Schweizer SGS 1-26 glider (registration N3810A) sustained substantial damage during a personal flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 12:30 PM when the 65-year-old private pilot (128 total hours, 3 in type) undershot the final approach and collided with trees. The pilot, a student glider pilot flying the wheel-equipped aircraft, was uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude during approach. Contributing factors included challenging wind conditions with gusts up to 20 knots. On July 7, 1981, a Piper PA-18 Super Cub (registration N6879B) sustained substantial damage during an aerial advertising flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 4:30 PM when the aircraft nosed over during landing after its towed banner caught on the right main gear instead of the designated hook. The 37-year-old commercial pilot (1,893 total hours, 31 in type) was uninjured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause to be

the pilot's misjudgment of clearance during the banner retrieval operation. The accident sequence occurred when the banner improperly snagged the landing gear, and the sudden drag force caused the aircraft to nose over during rollout. On August 9, 1981, a Piper PA-18 Super Cub (registration N6879B) sustained substantial damage during a test flight at the airport. The accident occurred at 12:15 PM when the aircraft experienced a complete engine failure during initial climb due to a grounded magneto switch, forcing the 30-year-old commercial pilot (2,462 total hours, 496 in type, instrument-rated) to make an emergency landing in rough terrain where the aircraft nosed over. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the magneto switch was grounded in all positions, causing complete power loss, and the subsequent forced landing in uneven terrain led to the nose-over. This was the second accident involving this particular aircraft (N6879B) within 33 days at Colts Neck Airport, though with different pilots and circumstances.

On July 13, 1983, a Cessna 172N (registration N73749) operated by the Jersey Aero Club sustained substantial damage during an instructional proficiency check at the airport. The accident occurred at 8:30 PM when the aircraft nosed over during landing roll on the airport's 2,560-foot grass Runway 25. During the landing, the aircraft hit a hump in the runway surface, became momentarily airborne, and then struck another hump when the pilot applied back pressure to the elevator controls. This impact caused the nose gear fork to fail, with the strut subsequently digging into the ground and resulting in the nose-over. The 58-year-old commercial pilot, who had 6,418 total flight hours including 150 in type, and the check instructor aboard both escaped injury. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable causes to be the rough/uneven runway conditions combined with the check pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. The accident occurred during visual meteorological conditions as part of the flying club's annual proficiency check requirements.

On April 3, 1984, a Cessna 150K (registration N5746G) sustained substantial damage during an approach to the airport. The accident occurred at 2:00 PM when the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The 59-year-old private pilot, who had 274 total flight hours including 175 in type, sustained minor injuries. During the approach, the pilot attempted to lose altitude by performing S-turns after using an unusually short base leg at 800 feet. Witnesses observed the aircraft stall at approximately 50 feet above ground level while in a right turn, resulting in a nose-down impact with the ground in a right-wing-low attitude. The pilot later stated the engine had "run out of fuel." The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable causes to be the pilot's improper planning/decision-making leading to fuel exhaustion, followed by inadequate airspeed control and an inadvertent stall during the subsequent forced landing attempt.

On April 28, 1984, an amateur-built Bryan RS-15 glider (registration N24876) was destroyed during approach to the airport, seriously injuring its 54-year-old pilot. The accident occurred at 2:30 PM during a personal flight when the glider stalled and crashed while executing an unorthodox landing maneuver. The pilot (1,121 total flight hours, including 142 in gliders) was circling to allow runway clearance when he initiated a tight 180-degree approach from just 200 feet altitude at 55 knots. During the maneuver, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled left roll reaching approximately 60 degrees of bank before stalling and impacting the ground left-wing-first on Runway 7, a 2,569-foot grass surface. The NTSB investigation identified three primary causes: The pilot's improperly planned approach, failure to maintain adequate airspeed, and a subsequent inadvertent stall during the steep turn. Notably, the experimental-category glider lacked an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) and had undergone its last annual inspection 30 flight hours prior to the accident. Weather conditions were visual with light winds at the time of the crash.

On March 9, 1985, a Bellanca 86CBC tow plane (registration N2558Z) sustained substantial damage during a landing at the airport, following a glider tow operation. The accident occurred at 11:40 AM when the aircraft's right main landing gear collapsed after encountering rough terrain on Runway 25. The 36-year-old airline transport pilot (11,649 total flight hours, including 50 in type) reported executing two smooth three-point touchdowns after an initial bounce. During the second touchdown, a loud crack signaled the right main gear's failure near a U-bolt attachment point. The pilot, who was uninjured, had conducted the flight under visual meteorological conditions with no mechanical issues reported prior to landing. The NTSB investigation identified two primary factors: The rough, uneven condition of the grass runway, and the complete failure of the main landing gear strut. The aircraft, owned by the Central Jersey Soaring Club, had undergone its annual inspection just 1 flight hour before the accident.

On October 17, 1985, a Bell 206B helicopter (registration N678TV) sustained substantial damage during an autorotation landing at the airport. The accident occurred at 9:55 AM when the aircraft's tail rotor drive shaft was severed following a hard landing on Runway 25. The 25-year-old commercial pilot (1,103 total flight hours, including 169 in type) initiated the autorotation from 1,000 feet at 100 mph. During the maneuver, the helicopter's skids contacted terrain unevenly at 8 feet AGL, causing the nose to pitch up and main rotor blades to flex into the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot, who was uninjured, had departed from New York Heliport 10 minutes earlier under visual meteorological conditions. The NTSB investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain proper aircraft handling during landing, and that the hard landing resulted in catastrophic drive system failure. The helicopter, operated under Part 91 by Rako Helicopters, had undergone its last 100-hour inspection 37 flight hours prior to the accident.

On November 10, 1985, a Champion 7GCAA aircraft (registration N5249X) was destroyed during a banner-tow operation for the Jersey Shore Marathon at the airport. The accident occurred at 11:30 AM when the aircraft lost control during a simulated banner pickup maneuver and crashed into trees. The 38-year-old commercial pilot (1,546 total flight hours, all in type) had climbed to 1,500 feet before descending to 800 feet when he encountered unexpected wind gusts. At 150 feet during the banner pickup, the aircraft's left wing and nose dropped suddenly, resulting in an uncontrolled descent. The pilot evacuated before the aircraft was consumed by fire. The NTSB investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during the critical low-altitude maneuver, and that the uncontrolled descent led to the crash. The aircraft, operated under Part 91 by In-Flight Advertising Service, had undergone its annual inspection 40 flight hours prior. Weather conditions were visual with light winds at the time of the accident.

On May 29, 1988, a Cessna 305A (registration N5202G) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near the airport, following engine failure during banner-tow operations. The accident occurred at 1:50 PM when the aircraft, operating in 92°F (33°C) temperatures, experienced vapor lock in its automotive fuel-converted engine. The 56-year-old commercial pilot (3,598 total flight hours, including 496 in type) had just picked up an advertising banner when engine RPM dropped. Despite switching fuel tanks and jettisoning the banner, the aircraft could not maintain altitude. During the subsequent forced landing in a landfill, the aircraft struck a 10-foot chain-link fence. The pilot was uninjured. The NTSB investigation determined that the engine lost power due to vapor lock from automotive fuel use in high temperatures, and that the operator reported similar vapor lock incidents in other aircraft that day. The aircraft, owned by Airways Advertising, had undergone its annual inspection just 6 flight hours prior.

On June 18, 1988, a Cessna 305A (registration N14418) sustained substantial damage during a banner-tow operation at the airport. The accident occurred at 1:20 PM when the aircraft nosed over during landing after its tow rope became entangled with the landing gear. The 62-year-old commercial pilot (6,000 total flight hours, including 70 in type) was attempting to pick up an advertising banner when the tow rope affixed itself to the main landing gear. Unable to release the banner, the pilot landed with it still attached on Runway 7. During rollout, the aircraft's tail rose abruptly, causing the propeller to dig into the turf. The aircraft continued rolling on its nose and right wingtip before coming to rest inverted. The NTSB investigation determined that the pilot misjudged clearance during the banner pickup, and the entangled tow equipment led to loss of control. The aircraft, operated by Airway Advertising, had undergone its annual inspection 21 flight hours prior.

On September 2, 1989, a Cessna 150M (registration N3668V) sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the airport, when it flipped over after encountering crosswinds and sun glare. The accident occurred at 5:00 PM on Runway 27. The 48-year-old commercial pilot (860 total flight hours, including 500 in type) reported the aircraft drifted left during takeoff until the left main wheel departed the runway. The propeller then caught a sheet of plastic, causing the aircraft to flip over. Both occupants escaped injury. The NTSB investigation determined that the accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during rough-field takeoff, a 10-15 knot crosswind from 340°, and a severe sun glare affecting visibility. The aircraft, owned by Gibson Air Academy, had undergone its annual inspection just 10 flight hours prior.

On September 27, 1990, a Cessna 150F (registration N7006G) sustained substantial damage during takeoff from the airport, when the aircraft stalled after attempting to depart from an overgrown runway. The accident occurred at 5:00 PM when a 25-year-old flight instructor (1,500 hours, 45 in type) attempted to reposition the aircraft to Blairstown Airport after refueling it for a student who had landed due to low fuel. During takeoff from Runway 25, with vegetation 8-10 inches high, the pilot used only half the available runway length before claiming the engine sputtered and stalled, though subsequent FAA testing found no mechanical issues. The NTSB determined the accident resulted from the pilot's decision to attempt takeoff from unsuitable terrain combined with failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which led to an inadvertent stall. The aircraft, operated by Randy Fanelli, was operating under visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident with no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure.

On February 14, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N89712) operated by Gibson Air Academy was substantially damaged during a forced landing near the airport. The instructional flight ended when the aircraft lost engine power at 1,500 feet and nosed over during an emergency landing in a field. The 47-year-old flight instructor and student sustained minor injuries when the aircraft crossed a ditch during the landing attempt. Post-accident inspection revealed no mechanical anomalies, though investigators noted a sticky carburetor float valve of undetermined origin. The NTSB cited the undetermined loss of engine power as the probable cause, with the ditch representing a contributing factor. The aircraft had undergone its annual inspection 35 flight hours prior to the accident and was operating in clear conditions departing from nearby Monmouth Executive Airport with 11-19 knot winds at the time of the incident.