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NTSB Report
August 9, 1985 · Piper PA-28-161 · N3462M
Cape May, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Cape May, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N3462M
Operator
Southern Jersey Aviation
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC85FA205
CREW MEMBERS OF A COAST GUARD HELICOPTER, OBSERVED AN ACFT FLYING AT ABOUT 1500 FT ABOVE THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THEM, THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN INTO A 60 TO 70 DEG NOSE LOW ATTITUDE & COLLIDED WITH THE WATER. THE HELICOPTER WAS IMMEDIATELY FLOWN TO THE ACDNT SITE; HOWEVER, THE DOWNED ACFT COULD NOT BE SEEN. LATER, THE FATALLY INJURED PLT & DEBRIS FROM THE ACFT WERE FOUND, BUT THE MAIN WRECKAGE WAS NOT LOCATED.
Full Narrative
CREW MEMBERS OF A COAST GUARD HELICOPTER, OBSERVED AN ACFT FLYING AT ABOUT 1500 FT ABOVE THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THEM, THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN INTO A 60 TO 70 DEG NOSE LOW ATTITUDE & COLLIDED WITH THE WATER. THE HELICOPTER WAS IMMEDIATELY FLOWN TO THE ACDNT SITE; HOWEVER, THE DOWNED ACFT COULD NOT BE SEEN. LATER, THE FATALLY INJURED PLT & DEBRIS FROM THE ACFT WERE FOUND, BUT THE MAIN WRECKAGE WAS NOT LOCATED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:40 EDT
Nearest Airport3nm W
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN3462M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSouthern Jersey Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC