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In-Flight Breakup of N3025W During Ferry Flight

Kings Point, NY, US

On August 28, 1987, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N3025W) was involved in an aviation accident near Kings Point, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The unsecured, temporarily installed fuselage fuel tank likely migrated in flight, changing the center of gravity and causing pitch control problems in turbulence, leading to the in-flight breakup. 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 N3025W broke up in flight after departing with an unsecured temporary fuel tank and an aft center of gravity beyond limits. The pilot reported problems before loss of communication.

Background

N3025W departed on a ferry flight with a temporarily installed fuselage fuel tank that was not secured. The computed center of gravity (C.G.) at takeoff showed the aircraft approximately 0.9 inches aft of the aft limit. The ferry tank installation had not been approved. The pilot, new to this type of work, reportedly did not know how to operate the ferry tank system. The takeoff position of the ferry tank was estimated; after being filled, it had pushed out the fuselage baggage door and had to be pushed back in.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft climbed to 7,000 feet when the controller observed the aircraft making erratic turns. The pilot transmitted, "We have problems." There were no further communications with N3025W. The aircraft subsequently broke up in flight. The forecast the pilot received included moderate turbulence and rain showers.

Contributing Factors

It was considered likely that the unsecured tank would have migrated during flight, changing the center of gravity, altering longitudinal control forces, and causing pitch control problems in turbulence.

Probable cause

The unsecured, temporarily installed fuselage fuel tank likely migrated in flight, changing the center of gravity and causing pitch control problems in turbulence, leading to the in-flight breakup.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1987 Piper PA-28RT-201T accident near Kings Point, NY?

Aircraft N3025W broke up in flight after departing with an unsecured temporary fuel tank and an aft center of gravity beyond limits. The pilot reported problems before loss of communication.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1987 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration N3025W, at Kings Point, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The unsecured, temporarily installed fuselage fuel tank likely migrated in flight, changing the center of gravity and causing pitch control problems in turbulence, leading to the in-flight breakup.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31900. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.