On March 24, 1985, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8773L) was involved in an aviation accident near Everglades, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a flight over the Everglades at approximately 500 feet AGL, an aircraft's engine began to run rough and decreased to about 1200 RPM, leading to a forced landing. The fuel system burst before the aircraft came to rest, and a fire erupted. The pilot exited and attempted to extinguish the flames unsuccessfully, then walked for about six hours before rescue. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.
Incident Details
An aircraft was operating a flight over the Everglades at approximately 500 feet above ground level when the engine began to run rough and its revolutions per minute decreased to about 1200. The pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft's fuel system burst before the aircraft came to rest, and a fire erupted.
Pilot Actions
The pilot exited the aircraft and attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful. He then walked through the Everglades park for about six hours before being rescued.
Aftermath
The aircraft was destroyed by fire and was abandoned.