# NTSB MIA83LA221: Piper PA-25-260, N8576L, Quebradillas, PR, September 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1983, 12:42 local (17:42 UTC)
- Place: Quebradillas, PR
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30935
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA221
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30935/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA221

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - unsafe/hazardous condition - not understood, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - company-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ON 9/4/83, THE PLT TOOK OFF FROM ARECIBO, PR ON A FLT OF APRX 26 MI TO AGUADILLA, PR. WHILE EN ROUTE, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION & THE PLT MADE A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING ON A FARM AT QUEBRADILLAS, PR. THE ACFT WAS REFUELED, BUT DURING TAKEOFF THE NEXT DAY, IT COLLIDED WITH A TREE, THEN WENT OVER A CLIFF & CRASHED ON THE BEACH BELOW. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE WAS EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY THAT OWNED THE ACFT & HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE ACFT BE TRANSPORTED TO THE NEAREST ARPT BY A TRAILER, BUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY REFUSED TO ACCEPT THIS PROPOSAL. THE PLT THEN DECIDED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE FARM. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE OWNER'S ACCOUNT WAS THAT THE PLT HAD ORIGINALLY FLOWN THE PLANE WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION & KNOWING THAT ONLY 5 GAL OF FUEL WAS ON BOARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8576L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8576L-2014-11-20), registration cancelled 2014-11-20, S/N 25-5001, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-260) (registry code 7102508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-5001
- Airframe hours: 2343
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-G1A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Francisco Jeremias
- Registered owner: Fumigationa Air Services Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 19, 1983
- Destination: BON, AGUADILLA, PR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 190 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 48 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 19830905051699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830905051699A), Sep 5, 1983: Piper PA25260, Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, Destroyed. Landed on a farm out of fuel. Refueled and struck a tree on takeoff. Airplane tumbled down a 250 foot cliff.

## Other investigations on N8576L (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 FTW80FPD03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW80FPD03), Oct 26, 1979: Piper PA-25 (N8576L), Abilene, TX, 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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