On August 10, 1982, a Beech E55 (registration N235J) operated by James E. Ellis was involved in an aviation accident near Payson, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed on the runway after a four-hour flight when both engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot, treated for minor injuries, provided false identification and had no FAA certificates. The aircraft was reported stolen 21 days later.
Accident Details
The aircraft crashed on the runway after the pilot completed a flight of approximately four hours. The pilot reported that both engines lost power while in the traffic pattern. An investigation revealed that no fuel remained in the aircraft. The aircraft had a total usable fuel supply of 136 gallons, and the estimated rate of fuel consumption for the flight was about 34 gallons per hour.
Pilot and Aircraft Identification
The pilot was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries. He did not produce any identification and paid his medical bill in cash. No Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot or medical certificate had been issued to anyone with the name he provided. The address he claimed was nonexistent. The aircraft was reported as stolen 21 days after the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Aug 1982 Beech E55 accident near Payson, AZ?
An aircraft crashed on the runway after a four-hour flight when both engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot, treated for minor injuries, provided false identification and had no FAA certificates. The aircraft was reported stolen 21 days later.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Aug 1982 involved a Beech E55, registration N235J, operated by James E. Ellis, at Payson, AZ.
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