On July 13, 1987, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N93664) operated by Dean Van Eaton was involved in an aviation accident near Palatka, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported hearing a rough engine sound before the aircraft crashed into trees. Another witness observed flames and smoke from the left side. A tail pipe assembly was found on the ramp where the aircraft had been parked. Examination revealed the left tailpipe missing and heat damage.
Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed into trees following reports of engine roughness. The incident occurred after the aircraft had been parked at the departure airport. Investigators found evidence of a missing tailpipe assembly and associated heat damage.
Witness Accounts
Multiple witnesses provided accounts of the accident. One witness stated hearing the aircraft's engine sounding rough just before it crashed into the trees. Another witness reported noticing flames and smoke coming from the left side of the plane.
Evidence
A tail pipe assembly was discovered on the ramp at the departure airport, where the aircraft had been previously parked. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left tailpipe assembly was missing. Additionally, evidence of extreme heat damage was present in the immediate area behind where the left tailpipe had been located.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Jul 1987 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Palatka, FL?
Witnesses reported hearing a rough engine sound before the aircraft crashed into trees. Another witness observed flames and smoke from the left side. A tail pipe assembly was found on the ramp where the aircraft had been parked. Examination revealed the left tailpipe missing and heat damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jul 1987 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N93664, operated by Dean Van Eaton, at Palatka, FL.
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