# NTSB ATL87FA234: Piper PA-28-140, N5561U, Aurora, NC, August 19, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1987, 22:30 local (Aug 19, 1987, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Aurora, NC
- Coordinates: 35.299175, -76.77967 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2992&lon=-76.7797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7312
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA234
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7312/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA234

## 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 (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dark night
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRCRAFT AFTER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE EN ROUTE TO BAYBORO,NC. THE FLIGHT HAD DEPARTED EARLIER IN THE DAY AND HAD FLOWN TO MELFA,VA. THE PILOT DID NOT FUEL THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE STARTING THE FLIGHT AND OVER FLEW SEVERAL POSSIBLE REFUELING LOCATIONS. THE FLIGHT DEPARTED BAYBORO,NC WITH LESS THAN 36 GALLONS OF FUEL, AND THE PILOT HAD FLOWN 3.8 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FILE A FLIGHT PLAN RESULTED IN THE SEARCH FOR THE DOWNED AIRCRAFT BEING DELAYED SEVERAL HOURS. THERE WAS NO RECORD OF THE PILOT MAKING A MAYDAY CALL NOR DID HE TRANSMIT 7700 ON THE TRANSPONDER. THE TWO PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED BY A FERRY BOAT ABOUT 13 HOURS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5561U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26285
- Airframe hours: 1894
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry H. Prescott
- Registered owner: Larry Prescott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 24, 1987, 23 hours before
- Departed: MELFA, VA
- Destination: BAYBORO, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 669 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 220° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 79 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EWN

## 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 19870818045979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870818045979A), Aug 18, 1987: Piper PA28140, Aurora, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Indicates aircraft ran out of fuel en route and was ditched in pamlico sound. Longer trip due to weather en route.

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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