No fatalities

Night Flight Incident: Aircraft Strikes Tree Tops, Lands Safely (N35590)

Near Vero Beach, FL, US

On January 3, 1983, a Piper PA-32-301R (registration N35590) operated by Pro Flight OF Vero Beach was involved in an aviation accident near Near Vero Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck tree tops during a night approach to Fort Pierce Airport. Witnesses saw a darkened aircraft clip cypress trees 13 miles west of Vero Beach. The pilot landed safely at a nearby airport.

Incident Overview

During a night flight, an aircraft collided with tree tops but the pilot retained control and landed at a nearby airport. The pilot reported the accident occurred while on approach to Fort Pierce Airport.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses who were fishing in a remote area approximately 13 miles west of Vero Beach reported seeing a darkened aircraft pass over their position. The aircraft then clipped the tops of cypress trees, as evidenced by debris later found in the aircraft's wing.

Aircraft Condition and Pilot Statement

Investigation revealed cypress tree debris lodged in the wing of the damaged aircraft. When questioned later, the pilot was unable to specify which runway he was using at Fort Pierce Airport.

Summary

The pilot successfully landed the aircraft at a nearby airport after the collision. No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or the extent of damage were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jan 1983 Piper PA-32-301R accident near Near Vero Beach, FL?

An aircraft struck tree tops during a night approach to Fort Pierce Airport. Witnesses saw a darkened aircraft clip cypress trees 13 miles west of Vero Beach. The pilot landed safely at a nearby airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 1983 Piper PA-32-301R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jan 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-301R, registration N35590, operated by Pro Flight OF Vero Beach, at Near Vero Beach, FL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42051. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.