Casualties unknown

Low Passes Precede Crash; Aircraft Found with Minimal Fuel (N35612)

Cleveland, GA, US

On June 20, 1985, a Piper J5A (registration N35612) operated by Tilton L.chester was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, GA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and his 5-year-old daughter crashed after making low passes over a guest house. The aircraft was found with virtually no fuel and no preimpact mechanical failure.

Flight Details

A pilot took off from a private airstrip with his 5-year-old daughter aboard. During the flight, the pilot performed several low passes near a guest house, allowing his daughter to wave to her grandparents.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was last observed heading in a generally northerly direction when it banked sharply to the right. It then disappeared behind trees. Impact occurred in a steep nose-down attitude.

Post-Accident Findings

Examination of the propeller revealed an absence of torsional damage; one blade was straight and the other blade was bent aft. Virtually no fuel was found in the tanks, fuel lines, or carburetor. Investigators found no preimpact part failure or malfunction. An operational check using a replacement propeller indicated the engine could run to 2325 RPM. A toxicological test of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.040%.

Aircraft Information

The registration and other identifying details were not specified in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36657. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.