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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 19, 1987 · Piper PA-28-140 · N5561U

Aurora, NC

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1987
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Aurora, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N5561U
Operator
Larry H Prescott
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL87FA234

THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRCRAFT AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE EN ROUTE TO BAYBORO,NC. THE FLIGHT HAD DEPARTED EARLIER IN THE DAY AND HAD FLOWN TO MELFA,VA. THE PILOT DID NOT FUEL THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE STARTING THE FLIGHT AND OVER FLEW SEVERAL POSSIBLE REFUELING LOCATIONS. THE FLIGHT DEPARTED BAYBORO,NC WITH LESS THAN 36 GALLONS OF FUEL, AND THE PILOT HAD FLOWN 3.8 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FILE A FLIGHT PLAN RESULTED IN THE SEARCH FOR THE DOWNED AIRCRAFT BEING DELAYED SEVERAL HOURS. THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE PILOT MAKING A MAYDAY CALL NOR DID HE TRANSMIT 7700 ON THE TRANSPONDER. THE TWO PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED BY A FERRY BOAT ABOUT 13 HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRCRAFT AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE EN ROUTE TO BAYBORO,NC. THE FLIGHT HAD DEPARTED EARLIER IN THE DAY AND HAD FLOWN TO MELFA,VA. THE PILOT DID NOT FUEL THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE STARTING THE FLIGHT AND OVER FLEW SEVERAL POSSIBLE REFUELING LOCATIONS. THE FLIGHT DEPARTED BAYBORO,NC WITH LESS THAN 36 GALLONS OF FUEL, AND THE PILOT HAD FLOWN 3.8 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FILE A FLIGHT PLAN RESULTED IN THE SEARCH FOR THE DOWNED AIRCRAFT BEING DELAYED SEVERAL HOURS. THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE PILOT MAKING A MAYDAY CALL NOR DID HE TRANSMIT 7700 ON THE TRANSPONDER. THE TWO PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED BY A FERRY BOAT ABOUT 13 HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN5561U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLarry H Prescott
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind220° @ 2 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time06:20

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Appendix: Source Data