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NTSB Report
September 29, 1985 · Piper PA-28-R · N7554J
Mount Vernon, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Mount Vernon, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-R
Tail Number
N7554J
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW85LA359
THE PILOT REPORTED HE RAN OUT OF GAS MANEUVERING UNDER AN OVERCAST TO FIND A SUITABLE LANDING SITE. HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE A LARGE AREA OF SEVERE WEATHER BUT EXHAUSTED HIS FUEL SUPPLY. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT AND HE STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AT TREE TOP LEVEL. GROUND IMPACT WAS ATTENUATED BY THE TREES. THE ACCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A PATROLMAN, AND RESCUE WAS ALMOST IMMEDIATE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED HE RAN OUT OF GAS MANEUVERING UNDER AN OVERCAST TO FIND A SUITABLE LANDING SITE. HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE A LARGE AREA OF SEVERE WEATHER BUT EXHAUSTED HIS FUEL SUPPLY. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT AND HE STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AT TREE TOP LEVEL. GROUND IMPACT WAS ATTENUATED BY THE TREES. THE ACCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A PATROLMAN, AND RESCUE WAS ALMOST IMMEDIATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-R
Tail NumberN7554J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · I0360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC