# NTSB BFO85FID02: Piper PA-28-R-180, N3800T, Brookneal, VA, June 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1985, 18:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Brookneal, VA
- Coordinates: 37.049179, -78.939636 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0492&lon=-78.9396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11145
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO85FID02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11145/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85FID02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,pump - inoperative (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASH LANDED IN SMALL PINE TREES DURING A FORCED LNDG AFTER A PWR LOSS. THE ENG QUIT AT 200 FT AGL AND THE ACFT CRASHED 1/2 MILE FROM THE END OF THE TAKEOFF RWY.INVESTIGATION REVEALED A MALFUNCTION OF THE ENG FUEL PUMP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3800T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3800T-1988-11-23), registration cancelled 1988-11-23, S/N 28R30113 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-R-180 (PA-28-R-18)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R30113
- Airframe hours: 5125
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Truck Body Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 14, 1985, 71 hours before
- Departed: VA
- Destination: LYH, LYNCHBURG, VA
- Airport: 7W2, Brookneal-Campbell Co., runway 6, 3,800 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 1,205 total, 250 in this make and model, 1,132 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850604022589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850604022589A), Jun 4, 1985: Piper PA28R180, Brookneal, VA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on takeoff and landing made in small clearing. Distorted o ring let air enter inlet side of fuel pump.

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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