# NTSB FTW85LA359: Piper PA-28-R, N7554J, Mount Vernon, TX, September 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1985, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Mount Vernon, TX
- Coordinates: 33.169269, -95.220466 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1693&lon=-95.2205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21857
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA359
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21857/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA359

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED HE RAN OUT OF GAS MANEUVERING UNDER AN OVERCAST TO FIND A SUITABLE LANDING SITE. HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE A LARGE AREA OF SEVERE WEATHER BUT EXHAUSTED HIS FUEL SUPPLY. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE QUIT AND HE STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AT TREE TOP LEVEL. GROUND IMPACT WAS ATTENUATED BY THE TREES. THE ACCIDENT WAS WITNESSED BY A PATROLMAN, AND RESCUE WAS ALMOST IMMEDIATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7554J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7554J-2013-07-16), registration cancelled 2013-07-16, S/N 28R-30930, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-R
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: PA2830930
- Airframe hours: 5426
- Engines: LYCOMING I0360 SER 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thompas P. O'Neil
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 18, 1985, 21 hours before
- Departed: BMT, BEAUMONT, TX
- Destination: CLARKSVILLE, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 405 total, 301 in this make and model, 320 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAL, 85 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 19850929048089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850929048089A), Sep 29, 1985: Piper PA28R180, Mount Vernon, TX, Substantial damage. After a turn to avoid IFR conditions, engine quit due to fuel starvation. Landed in the trees.

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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