Piper PA-32-260 accident near Felton, PA
On December 3, 1996, a Piper PA-32-260 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Felton, PA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- December 3, 1996
- Place
- Felton, PA
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-32-260 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 2 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 39.851°N, 76.561°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X07224
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 2, 1996, about 2045 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N5538J, operated by Airpark Sales and Service, Inc., was destroyed when it impacted trees during a forced landing near Felton, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and a second passenger was fatally injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), Scranton, Pennsylvania, about 1945, destined for the Saint Marys County Airport (2W6), Leonardtown, Maryland. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A passenger on the flight prior to the accident flight stated that the purpose of the round trip flight from 2W6 to AVP was to drop him off at AVP. The flight departed 2W6 about 1715, and arrived at AVP about 1930. After the passenger deplaned at AVP, he asked the pilot if he wanted to refuel, and the pilot responded no. The flight then departed AVP destined for 2W6. A witness in the area of the accident reported hearing the airplane's engine cutting in and out several times. Another witness who observed the accident, stated that he did not hear any noise from the airplane. The accident occurred during the hours of darkness, at approximately 39 degrees, 52 minutes north latitude, 76 degrees, 33 minutes west latitude, at an elevation of 790 feet. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION The wreckage was examined at the accident site on December 3 and 4, 1996. The examination revealed that all major components of the airplane were
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and his failure to refuel which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent collision with trees during the forced landing.
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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.
