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Aircraft Overruns Private Strip, Collides with Dirt Bank and Tree; Pilot Abandons Scene (N23L)

Eagle Lake, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 25, 1985, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N23L) operated by Eric Schaffer was involved in an aviation accident near Eagle Lake, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: overrun, Phase of operation: landing - roll. Findings: (1) Stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed - pilot in command; (2) (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command; (3) (c) airspeed - misjudged - pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On or about March 25, 1985, an aircraft bearing registration N23LX (but displaying N23L data plate) overran a short private strip, collided with a dirt bank and tree. The pilot abandoned the aircraft; neither he nor the new owner could be found. The aircraft was set afire after the accident. Police later found N23L's records in another aircraft loaded with 1,500 lbs of marijuana. The pilot was presumed uninjured.

Accident Details

On or about March 25, 1985, an aircraft landed on a short private strip. During the landing, it overran the strip, then collided with a dirt bank and a tree. The pilot abandoned the aircraft. Neither he nor the new owner could be found. There was evidence that the aircraft had been set afire after the accident.

Registration Irregularities

The aircraft bore a registration of N23LX, but the aircraft data plate and FAA records showed that a registration of N23L should have been displayed.

Subsequent Discovery

During a seemingly unrelated arrest, police found the records of N23L in another aircraft that was loaded with 1,500 lbs of marijuana. The pilot was presumed to have had no injuries.

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: overrun, Phase of operation: landing - roll. Findings: (1) Stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed - pilot in command; (2) (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command; (3) (c) airspeed - misjudged - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water, Phase of operation: landing - roll. Finding: (4) (f) terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment. Occurrence #3: on ground/water collision with object, Phase of operation: landing - roll. Finding: (5) (f) object - tree(s).
Runway excursion

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Mar 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Eagle Lake, United States of America?

On or about March 25, 1985, an aircraft bearing registration N23LX (but displaying N23L data plate) overran a short private strip, collided with a dirt bank and tree. The pilot abandoned the aircraft; neither he nor the new owner could be found. The aircraft was set afire after the accident. Police later found N23L's…

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Mar 1985 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Mar 1985 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N23L, operated by Eric Schaffer, at Eagle Lake, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Occurrence #1: overrun, Phase of operation: landing - roll. Findings: (1) Stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed - pilot in command; (2) (c) distance - misjudged - pilot in command; (3) (c) airspeed - misjudged - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: on ground/water encounter with terrain/water, Phase of operation:…

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