Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Dual Engine Failure During Descent (N555MF)

St. Croix, US

On January 28, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N555MF) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Croix. 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
Aircraft registered N555MF
Aircraft registered N555MF. Photo: Spotting973 / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot experienced right engine failure and automatic propeller feathering during descent, followed by left engine failure after switching fuel tanks. A forced landing was executed with substantial damage from fence contact.

Engine Failures During Descent

While initiating descent, the pilot reported that the right engine failed and the propeller feathered automatically. In response, the pilot moved the left fuel tank selector to the left auxiliary tank. Shortly thereafter, the left engine also failed.

Mayday Call and Forced Landing

The pilot declared a mayday to St. Croix Tower and executed a forced landing in a field on the southeast coast of St. Croix. During the landing roll, the wings struck a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Post-Recovery Engine Performance

After the aircraft was recovered, a new propeller was installed on the right engine. Subsequent tests showed that both engines and propellers performed normally, with no anomalies detected.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jan 1985 Piper PA-23-250 accident near St. Croix?

A pilot experienced right engine failure and automatic propeller feathering during descent, followed by left engine failure after switching fuel tanks. A forced landing was executed with substantial damage from fence contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jan 1985 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N555MF, at St. Croix.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35569. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.