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NTSB Report
July 21, 1986 · Piper PA-28-140 · N7059R
Topsail Beach, NC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1986
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Topsail Beach, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N7059R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL86LA201
THE PLT WAS ON A X-COUNTRY FLT FROM NEW YORK STATE TO FLORIDA WITH A PLANNED REFUELING STOP AT WILMINGTON, NC. HE REPORTED THAT HE BECAME DISORIENTED WHEN THE ACFT'S VOR NEEDLE BEGAN WAVERING, ABOUT 28 MILES NORTH OF WILMINGTON. ALSO, HE STATED THAT HE NO LONGER FELT COMFORTABLE IN THE AIR AND DECIDED TO LAND. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE ON A DESOLATE SECTION OF THE BEACH WHERE THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT SAND & FLIPPED INVERTED. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM OF THE ACFT WAS VERIFIED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE VISIBILITY WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 3 MILES DUE TO HAZE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS ON A X-COUNTRY FLT FROM NEW YORK STATE TO FLORIDA WITH A PLANNED REFUELING STOP AT WILMINGTON, NC. HE REPORTED THAT HE BECAME DISORIENTED WHEN THE ACFT'S VOR NEEDLE BEGAN WAVERING, ABOUT 28 MILES NORTH OF WILMINGTON. ALSO, HE STATED THAT HE NO LONGER FELT COMFORTABLE IN THE AIR AND DECIDED TO LAND. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE ON A DESOLATE SECTION OF THE BEACH WHERE THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT SAND & FLIPPED INVERTED. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM OF THE ACFT WAS VERIFIED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE VISIBILITY WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 3 MILES DUE TO HAZE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN7059R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC