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NTSB Report
May 6, 1988 · Piper PA-28-140 · N285DP
Everglades City, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Everglades City, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N285DP
Operator
Orlando James R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA88LA164
THE PLT STATED WHEN THE FLT DEPARTED, THERE WAS 33 GALS OF FUEL ABOARD FOR THE X-C DAYLIGHT FLIGHT. FUEL BURN FOR THE ACFT WAS APPROX 8 GPH. THE FLT TO THE DEST REQUIRED ABOUT 1.5 HRS. THE PLT STATED THAT HE INTENDED TO REFUEL AT HIS DESTINATION, BUT THE FBO WAS CLOSED FOR HIS NIGHT RETURN FLT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD HEADWINDS ON THE RETURN FLT & HAD TO FLY WELL EAST OF HIS INTENDED COURSE IN ORDER TO STAY OVER LIGHTED AREAS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A HORIZON. WHILE OVER THE EVERGLADES & DECLARING TO ATC THAT HE WAS LOW ON FUEL, HE WAS BEING RADAR VECTORED TO THE NEAREST ARPT WHEN THE ENG QUIT & A NIGHT FORCED LANDING WAS PERFORMED. A LDG WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON A DIRT ROAD, BUT THE ROAD CURVED AND THE AIRCRAFT COULD NOT MAKE THE CURVE AND HIT A TREE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE AIRCRAFT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED WHEN THE FLT DEPARTED, THERE WAS 33 GALS OF FUEL ABOARD FOR THE X-C DAYLIGHT FLIGHT. FUEL BURN FOR THE ACFT WAS APPROX 8 GPH. THE FLT TO THE DEST REQUIRED ABOUT 1.5 HRS. THE PLT STATED THAT HE INTENDED TO REFUEL AT HIS DESTINATION, BUT THE FBO WAS CLOSED FOR HIS NIGHT RETURN FLT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD HEADWINDS ON THE RETURN FLT & HAD TO FLY WELL EAST OF HIS INTENDED COURSE IN ORDER TO STAY OVER LIGHTED AREAS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A HORIZON. WHILE OVER THE EVERGLADES & DECLARING TO ATC THAT HE WAS LOW ON FUEL, HE WAS BEING RADAR VECTORED TO THE NEAREST ARPT WHEN THE ENG QUIT & A NIGHT FORCED LANDING WAS PERFORMED. A LDG WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON A DIRT ROAD, BUT THE ROAD CURVED AND THE AIRCRAFT COULD NOT MAKE THE CURVE AND HIT A TREE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE AIRCRAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN285DP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOrlando James R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time04:48
Weather SourceWFAC