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NTSB Report
September 23, 1985 · Piper PA-28-140 · N1785J
Gulfport, MS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Gulfport, MS
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N1785J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL85FAMS2
PLT CONTACTED APCH CONTROL FOR ADVISORIES. ASKED ABOUT WX ONROUTE OF ELT. WAS TOLD THAT LINES OF SHOWERS EXISTED ACROSS PATH. PLT ADVISED HE THOUGHT HE HAD FOUND A GAP AND THAT HE THOUGHT HE COULD GET OVER WX. LATER RADIOED THAT RIDE WAS BOUNCY AND HE WAS IN RAIN. ACFT DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT LOST. BODIES OF PILOT AND PAX LATER RECOVERED FROM GULF OF MEXICO.
Full Narrative
PLT CONTACTED APCH CONTROL FOR ADVISORIES. ASKED ABOUT WX ONROUTE OF ELT. WAS TOLD THAT LINES OF SHOWERS EXISTED ACROSS PATH. PLT ADVISED HE THOUGHT HE HAD FOUND A GAP AND THAT HE THOUGHT HE COULD GET OVER WX. LATER RADIOED THAT RIDE WAS BOUNCY AND HE WAS IN RAIN. ACFT DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT LOST. BODIES OF PILOT AND PAX LATER RECOVERED FROM GULF OF MEXICO.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:11 CDT
Nearest Airport12nm SSW
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN1785J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 15 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:12
Weather SourceWFAC