# NTSB ATL83LA256: Piper PA-25-235B, N7649Z, Weaver, AL, July 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1983, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Weaver, AL
- Coordinates: 33.750682, -85.799224 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7507&lon=-85.7992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6114
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA256
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6114/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA256

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER MAKING 5 SWATH RUNS WHICH EXPENDED ABOUT 1/2 OF HIS LOAD, THE PLT STATED HIS FUEL GAGE READ 5 GALS. HE DIVERTED TO MCMINN ARPT TO REFUEL. ON FINAL THE ENG QUIT & THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN IN THE MUDDY OVERRUN. THE WHEELS SANK IN THE MUDSHEARING OFF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7649Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-3790
- Airframe hours: 3015
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: James F. Fleming, doing business as Gold Dust Flying Service
- Registered owner: James F. Fleming
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1982
- Departed: 64A, JACKSONVILLE, AL
- Airport: 25A, Mcminn, runway 8, 2,650 × 30 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 12,465 total, 2,742 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ANB, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830706031889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830706031889A), Jul 6, 1983: Piper PA25235, Weaver, AL, Substantial damage. Engine guit from fuel exhaustion on final approach. Aircraft touched down short of runway on soft terrain.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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