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.
