Piper PA-28-140 N1785J accident, Gulfport, MS, Sep 23, 1985 · NTSB ATL85FAMS2

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

In flight encounter with weatherCruise - normal

Weather condition - turbulence(thunderstorms)Factor

Weather condition - rainFactor

In-flight planning/decision - improperPilot in commandCause

Flight into known adverse weather - improperPilot in commandCause

Judgment - poorPilot in commandCause

Loss of control - in flightCruise - normal

In flight collision with terrain/waterDescent - uncontrolled

Terrain condition - water,roughFactor

Analysis

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.

Aircraft

Registration: N1785J
Reported as: Piper PA-28-140
Category: Airplane
Serial number: 28-24208
Engine: Lycoming O-320, 150 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage: Destroyed
Flight: Personal · Part 91
Registered owner: Merlin J. Stutes
Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
Departed: 81J · Destin, FL
Destination: LFT · Lafayette, LA

N1785JRegistration cancelled Oct 15, 2012 · Piper PA-28-140S/N 28-24208 · Built 1968 Airframe modelPiper PA-28-140 Engine modelLycoming 0-320 seriesReciprocating

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role: Pilot
Age: 45
Certificate: Private
Airplane ratings: Multi-engine land
Medical: Class 3, Valid Medical--no waivers/lim.
Toxicology: Performed
Flight hours: 73 total · 37 as pilot in command

Weather

Conditions: Instrument (IMC) · Day
Wind: 260° at 15 knots
Visibility: 4 statute miles
Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 75 °F
Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
Observed at: GPT, 11 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.

Accident 19850923046929APiper PA28140 · Gulfport, MSTried to fly through a line of heavy precipitation. Bodies of occupants and parts of aircraft found in gulf waters.Sep 23, 1985 · N1785J · Destroyed · 2 fatal