On June 24, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N21ML) operated by Robert L. Harris was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an inflight fire, squawked emergency code 7700, and ditched in the Atlantic Ocean. The pilot was rescued by the Coast Guard about four hours later. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Incident Details
During an overwater flight, the pilot reported that a fire began in the front section of the aircraft while cruising at 10,500 feet. The pilot subsequently ditched the aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean. The aircraft sank in the ocean and was not recovered.
Emergency Response
The pilot radioed his position on the emergency frequency (121.5 MHz) and squawked an emergency code (7700) on his transponder. About four hours after ditching, the pilot was rescued by the Coast Guard.
Investigation
The aircraft was not recovered, so the cause of the fire could not be determined. The pilot suspected that it was an electrical fire.
What happened in the 24 Jun 1985 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?
A pilot reported an inflight fire, squawked emergency code 7700, and ditched in the Atlantic Ocean. The pilot was rescued by the Coast Guard about four hours later. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 1985 Piper PA-23-250 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Jun 1985 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N21ML, operated by Robert L. Harris, at Atlantic Ocean, AO.
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