# NTSB ATL85LA175: Piper PA-28-140, N8816N, Athens, AL, May 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1985, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Athens, AL
- Coordinates: 34.780529, -86.950576 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7805&lon=-86.9506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6803
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6803/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA175

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT LOST PWR WHILE EN ROUTE FROM KENOSHA, WI, TO DECATUR, AL, AND ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING ON AN AG STRIP. DURINGTHE LANDING ROLL THE ACFT STRUCK A TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RUNWAY. DURING POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN OR AROUND THE WRECKAGE. THERE WAS ALSO NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FUEL LEAKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8816N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8816N-2023-06-17), registration cancelled 2023-06-17, S/N 28-25664, built 1969 (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: 28-25664
- Airframe hours: 2491
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Russell Shears
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 14, 1984
- Departed: ENW, KENOSHA, WI
- Destination: DCU, DECATUR, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 780 total, 89 in this make and model, 630 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HSV, 25 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 19850528021109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850528021109A), May 28, 1985: Piper STCPA28, Athens, AL, Substantial damage. Landed on ag strip after loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. Struck truck parked on runway during rollout.

## Other investigations on N8816N (1)

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.

- [NTSB OAK17FVW11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK17FVW11), Oct 28, 1972: Piper PA-28 (N8816N), Glendale, NV, substantial damage

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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