# NTSB MIA86FA080: Piper PA-31-310, N7EA, Moore Haven, FL, February 17, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 17, 1986
- Place: Moore Haven, FL
- Coordinates: 26.530586, -80.189643 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.5306&lon=-80.1896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31481
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86FA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31481/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86FA080

## Analysis

ON FEBRUARY 17, 1986 THE WRECKAGE OF N7EA ALONG WITH THE SKELETAL REMAINS OF TWO PERSONS WERE FOUND. THE ACFT CRASHED INTO TREES CAUSING THE SEPARATION OF THE OUTBOARD SIX FEET OF LEFT WING AND THEN CONTINUED CRASHING THROUGH MORE TREES BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND. THE ACFT CAUGHT FIRE DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY POST CRASH FIRE. FUEL FITTINGS AND PUMPS USED IN ACFT FUEL SYSTEMS WERE FOUND IN THE CABIN AREA OF THE WRECKAGE. ALSO THE CLOSURE MECHANISMS FOR SEVERAL MILITARY TYPE DUFFLE BAGS WERE FOUND AND ONLY TWO SEATS WERE INSTALLED IN THE COCKPIT. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGS REVEALED BOTH TO BE OPERABLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DATE AND TIME OF THE ACCIDENT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE ORIGIN AND DESTINATION OF THE FLT COULD ALSO NOT BE DETERMINED. THE ACFT WAS LAST SEEN AT THE FT. LAUDERDALE EXECUTIVE ARPT ON 2/3/86.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7EA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7EA-2014-11-13), registration cancelled 2014-11-13, S/N 31-117, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-310
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-310](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-310) (registry code 7103102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-117
- Engines: LYCOMING TI0-540-A1B 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: John Jeffers
- Departed: UNKNOWN
- Destination: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Not reported

## 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 19860217012659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860217012659A), Feb 17, 1986: Piper PA31310, Moore Haven, FL, Destroyed. Burned wreckage and skeletal remains of pilot found. Other human skelton outside wreckage. Cannot identify remains.

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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