# NTSB MKC85LA099: Piper PA-25-235, N7655Z, Bridgeport, NE, May 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 7, 1985, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Bridgeport, NE
- Coordinates: 41.65916, -103.090042 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6592&lon=-103.0900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33940
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33940/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA099

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT WAS MAKING A TRIAL FLIGHT WITH THOUGHT OF POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF THE AG OPERATION. PILOT MADE FORCED LANDING AFTER FUEL SUPPLY WAS EXHAUSTED. PILOT DECIDED AGAINST PURCHASE AND DEPARTED THE AREA. PILOT HAS NOT BEEN LOCATED OR IDENTIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7655Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7655Z-2025-03-18), registration cancelled 2025-03-18, S/N 25-3796, built 1966 (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: 25-3796
- Airframe hours: 2788
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ernest W. Taylor
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 15, 1985, 15 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airline transport; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFF

## 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 19850507016019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850507016019A), May 7, 1985: Piper PA25235, Bridgeport, NE, Substantial damage. Prospective buyer took aircraft on a test flight. Ran out of gas. Wheel hit soft spot in beet field, ground looped.

## Other investigations on N7655Z (2)

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 CEN12LA622](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA622), Sep 6, 2012: Piper PA-25-235 (N7655Z), Jasper, MO, substantial damage. Probable cause: The total loss of engine power due to separation of a carburetor air box support bracket and subsequent airflow obstruction to the carburetor.
- [NTSB FTW68D0297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW68D0297), Oct 20, 1967: Piper PA-25 (N7655Z), Reed, OK, 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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