# NTSB ATL85FAMS2: Piper PA-28-140, N1785J, Gulfport, MS, September 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1985, 10:11 local (15:11 UTC)
- Place: Gulfport, MS
- Location: 30.3674° N, 89.0928° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Gulfport, MS, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3674&lon=-89.0928&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6645
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FAMS2
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6645/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FAMS2

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - turbulence(thunderstorms) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## 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](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1785J-2012-10-15), registration cancelled 2012-10-15, S/N 28-24208, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-24208
- Engines: 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

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; 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 (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850923046929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850923046929A), Sep 23, 1985: Piper PA28140, Gulfport, MS, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Tried to fly through a line of heavy precipitation. Bodies of occupants and parts of aircraft found in gulf waters.

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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