# NTSB FTW89DRD02: Piper PA-25-235, N8782L, Bogalusa, LA, January 16, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: January 16, 1989, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Bogalusa, LA
- Coordinates: 30.780174, -89.859977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7802&lon=-89.8600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DRD02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRD02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE LAST TAKEOFF RESULTING IN AN INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY FOR THE FLIGHT.

## 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)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE ENGINE QUIT APPROXIMATELY FOUR MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, AND THE AIRPLANE HIT THE TOPS OF TREES THEN THE GROUND DURING THE FORCED LANDING. THE PILOT HAD STOPPED AT TWO AIRPORTS WHERE HE WAS UNABLE TO GET FUEL. HE SAID HE SAW ENOUGH FUEL IN THE TANK TO RUN THE ENGINE FOR FROM 45 MINUTES TO AN HOURS, AND THE GAUGE INDICATED 12 TO 13 GALLONS BEFORE TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE WAS INSTALLED IN ANOTHER AIRFRAME AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND IT STARTED AND RAN NORMALLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8782L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8782L-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N 25-5470, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-5470
- Airframe hours: 2910
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hailey Aviation Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 11, 1989, 5 hours before
- Destination: OR9, HAMMOND, LA
- Airport: BXA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,400 total, 5 in this make and model, 1,400 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19890116000689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890116000689A), Jan 16, 1989: Piper PA25235, Bogalusa, LA, Substantial damage. Unable to purchase fuel en route,tried to make another airport. Out of fuel,hit trees and crashed trying for a road

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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