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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 25, 1995 · Piper PA-22-150 · N3965P

South Boston, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
South Boston, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N3965P
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO95LA087

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE TOOK OFF FROM RUNWAY 36, THEN MADE A LEFT TURN. DURING THE CLIMBING TURN, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WERE NO CLEARINGS AHEAD, HE TRIED TO RETURN TO RUNWAY 5. HOWEVER, AS HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND FROM OVER TREES, THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND DESCENDED TO THE RUNWAY. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING.

Full Narrative

On August 25, 1995, at 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA 22- 150, N3965P, lost engine power shortly after takeoff and collided with the runway at William M. Tuck airport, in South Boston, Virginia. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91, and the intended destination was Blanch, North Carolina. The pilot reported that he "...Departed runway 36, made [a left] turn, engine lost power, no clearings ahead. Returned to runway 5 from over trees -- stalled and fell to [the] runway." The pilot reported that he had eight gallons of fuel on board and that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction. The airplane was examined after the accident at the accident site by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector. The examination did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 EDT
Nearest AirportWilliam Tuck (0nm)
Runway5
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width300 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN3965P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data