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NTSB Report
July 29, 1984 · Piper J58 · N38402
Gilead, ME
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1984
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Gilead, ME
Aircraft
Piper J58
Tail Number
N38402
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC84LA258
THE ACFT WAS FORCED TO LAND ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER A DOWNDRAFT AT LOW ALT & AIRSPEED CREATED A TRAP. THE PLT SAID THAT HE & A FRIEND WERE LOOKING FOR A FISHING SPOT, WHEN HE REALIZED THAT HE COULD NOT MAKE IT OVER THE TOP OF RISING TERRAIN AHEAD & COULD NOT TURN 180 DEGREES TO REVERSE HIS FLT PATH. A DECISION TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS MADE. DURING THE LANDING THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS FORCED TO LAND ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER A DOWNDRAFT AT LOW ALT & AIRSPEED CREATED A TRAP. THE PLT SAID THAT HE & A FRIEND WERE LOOKING FOR A FISHING SPOT, WHEN HE REALIZED THAT HE COULD NOT MAKE IT OVER THE TOP OF RISING TERRAIN AHEAD & COULD NOT TURN 180 DEGREES TO REVERSE HIS FLT PATH. A DECISION TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS MADE. DURING THE LANDING THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J58
Tail NumberN38402
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats3
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 3 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO