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NTSB Report
December 27, 1986 · Piper PA-28-181 · N8720C
Leominster, MA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 unknown outcome
Location
Leominster, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N8720C
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC87LA056
THE PIPER PA-28-181 DEPARTED ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WITH FULL TANKS (48 GAL) ACCORDING TO THE PILOT. ENROUTE THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS AT NIGHT AFTER FLYING FOR 3.9 HOURS. THE PILOT LANDED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND STRUCK A HOUSE ON LANDING ROLL. THE PILOT RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE PASSENGER RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. AN OCCUPANT IN THE HOUSE ALSO RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE.
Full Narrative
THE PIPER PA-28-181 DEPARTED ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WITH FULL TANKS (48 GAL) ACCORDING TO THE PILOT. ENROUTE THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS AT NIGHT AFTER FLYING FOR 3.9 HOURS. THE PILOT LANDED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AND STRUCK A HOUSE ON LANDING ROLL. THE PILOT RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE THE PASSENGER RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. AN OCCUPANT IN THE HOUSE ALSO RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EST
Nearest AirportFitchburg Muni. (5nm NNE)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN8720C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-326-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 unknown outcome
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind250° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO