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4 fatalities

Nighttime Fuel Exhaustion and Ditching Off Bridgeport (N62987)

Bridgeport-Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 10, 1980, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N62987) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgeport-Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became lost and disoriented while approaching Bridgeport by night. Following a double engine failure due to a fuel exhaustion, he attempted to ditch the aircraft that crashed into the sea. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 16 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 archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported low fuel while approaching Bridgeport at night. After becoming lost, the aircraft suffered a double engine failure and crashed into the sea. One occupant was recovered; the others and wreckage were not found.

Incident Overview and Timeline At 2219 local time, a pilot flying from Worcester to Bridgeport reported to air traffic control that the aircraft was low on fuel. The flight was being conducted at night. Three minutes after the report, the pilot became lost and disoriented while approaching Bridgeport. The aircraft then descended and crashed into the sea off Bridgeport. ## Search and Recovery Search and rescue operations were initiated after the crash. A dead body was found one day later. The other three occupants and the aircraft wreckage were never found. ## Official Findings The official probable cause was that the pilot became lost and disoriented while approaching Bridgeport at night. A double engine failure occurred due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot then attempted to ditch the aircraft, which crashed into the sea.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Bridgeport-Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial, United States of America?

A pilot reported low fuel while approaching Bridgeport at night. After becoming lost, the aircraft suffered a double engine failure and crashed into the sea. One occupant was recovered; the others and wreckage were not found.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Nov 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N62987, operated by Private United States of America, at Bridgeport-Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot became lost and disoriented while approaching Bridgeport by night. Following a double engine failure due to a fuel exhaustion, he attempted to ditch the aircraft that crashed into the sea.

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