Piper PA-28-181 accident near Long Pond, PA
On November 30, 1996, a Piper PA-28-181 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Long Pond, PA. 3 people were seriously injured. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- November 30, 1996
- Place
- Long Pond, PA
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-28-181 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 0 fatal, 3 serious, 1 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 41.049°N, 75.441°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X07109
NTSB summary
On November 30, 1996, about 1740 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N4839F made a forced landing in mountainous terrain near Long Pond, Pennsylvania. The airline transport rated pilot and two passengers received serious injuries while one passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan was filed. The departure point was Montague, Massachusetts and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The trip originated at Alexandria Airport, Pittstown, New Jersey, on November 29, when the pilot and passengers flew to Turners Falls Airport, Montague. The pilot reported that the fuel tanks were full (48 gallon useable) at the time of departure. No servicing was accomplished while the airplane on the ground at Turners Falls. The return flight occurred the following day. On the preflight at Montague, the fuel level was observed to be on the low side of the tabs in the tanks (fuel at the tabs is 17 gallons per side). At 1032, the pilot contacted the Burlington AFSS, and received a weather briefing during which he was given the possibility of freezing rain and light to moderate rime icing in clouds. At 1232, the pilot contacted the Burlington AFSS and filed an IFR flight plan and was again told of freezing rain aloft, and light to moderate clear ice. He was also told that freezing rain was present at Trenton, New Jersey, which was located 21 NM south-southeast of his planned destination. He filed the flight plan listing his time en route as 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 3 hours, 30 minute
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Darkness and trees in the emergency landing area were related factors.
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Browse: Pennsylvania · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
