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NTSB Report
August 11, 1985 · Piper PA-28-140 · N1020D
Falfurrias, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Falfurrias, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N1020D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW85LA314
THE PLT EXPERIENCED IN-FLT DIRECTIONAL GYRO PROBLEMS (EXESSIVE PRECESSING) WHICH RESULTED IN LARGE DEVIATIONS ON EITHER SIDE OF HIS PLANNING FLT PATH. AFTER REALIZING IT WAS INACCURATE HE CONTINUED USING IT FOR SOME OF HIS HEADING INFO. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO 'WANDER' UNTIL FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED. THE ACFT WAS THEN FORCE LANDED ON A SMALL RANCH ROAD DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS WITH THE AID OF ITS LANDING LIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT EXPERIENCED IN-FLT DIRECTIONAL GYRO PROBLEMS (EXESSIVE PRECESSING) WHICH RESULTED IN LARGE DEVIATIONS ON EITHER SIDE OF HIS PLANNING FLT PATH. AFTER REALIZING IT WAS INACCURATE HE CONTINUED USING IT FOR SOME OF HIS HEADING INFO. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO 'WANDER' UNTIL FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED. THE ACFT WAS THEN FORCE LANDED ON A SMALL RANCH ROAD DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS WITH THE AID OF ITS LANDING LIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:30 CDT
Nearest Airport5nm SSE
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN1020D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 39 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO