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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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September 7, 1987 · Piper PA-28 · N5581U

Ocala, FL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ocala, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N5581U
Operator
Virgil L Korona
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA87LA241

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE PWR & THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINT ALT OR RETURN TO THE ARPT. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD, BUT THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SO HE MANEUVERED TO THE LEFT SIDE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE ACFT WAS SLOW TO CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, ALTHOUGH NO UNUSUAL ENG SOUNDS WERE NOTED. AFTER THE ACDNT, AN OPNL CHECK OF THE ENG WAS MADE, BUT WAS LIMITED TO 1650 RPM DUE TO ACDNT DAMAGE. THE SOLE DISCREPANCY NOTED DRG THE ENG RUN WAS A LOOSE GASCOLATOR; HOWEVER, THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT VERIFY WHETHER THE GASCOLATOR HAD LOOSENED BEFORE OR DRG IMPACT.

Full Narrative

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE PWR & THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINT ALT OR RETURN TO THE ARPT. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD, BUT THERE WAS ONCOMING TRAFFIC, SO HE MANEUVERED TO THE LEFT SIDE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A UTILITY POLE. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE ACFT WAS SLOW TO CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, ALTHOUGH NO UNUSUAL ENG SOUNDS WERE NOTED. AFTER THE ACDNT, AN OPNL CHECK OF THE ENG WAS MADE, BUT WAS LIMITED TO 1650 RPM DUE TO ACDNT DAMAGE. THE SOLE DISCREPANCY NOTED DRG THE ENG RUN WAS A LOOSE GASCOLATOR; HOWEVER, THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT VERIFY WHETHER THE GASCOLATOR HAD LOOSENED BEFORE OR DRG IMPACT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 EDT
Nearest AirportGreystone (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length3600 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN5581U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVirgil L Korona
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:49
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data