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NTSB Report
November 21, 1985 · Piper PA-28-161 · N2170X
Washington Twp., IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 21, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Washington Twp., IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N2170X
Operator
Bowman Aviation
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI86FA031
THE PILOT AND PAX WERE RETURNING FROM A XCOUNTRY FLT. WHILE ON A LONG FINAL APPROACH THE ACFT WAS WITNESSED TO STALL AND FALL OFF ON THE LEFT WG. THE ACFT THEN DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA CAUSING LEFT WG SEPARATION AND THEN IMPACTED A CREEK BANK. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE CUMULATIVE FLT & GROUND TAXI TIME SINCE REFUELING WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO ACCOUNT FOR FUEL EXHAUSTION, EVEN WITH GOOD FUEL MANAGEMENT DURING THE FLT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND PAX WERE RETURNING FROM A XCOUNTRY FLT. WHILE ON A LONG FINAL APPROACH THE ACFT WAS WITNESSED TO STALL AND FALL OFF ON THE LEFT WG. THE ACFT THEN DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA CAUSING LEFT WG SEPARATION AND THEN IMPACTED A CREEK BANK. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE CUMULATIVE FLT & GROUND TAXI TIME SINCE REFUELING WOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO ACCOUNT FOR FUEL EXHAUSTION, EVEN WITH GOOD FUEL MANAGEMENT DURING THE FLT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 EST
Nearest AirportSmithfield (3nm SW)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN2170X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBowman Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC