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Fatal Nighttime Crash Near Vero Beach (N398GT)

Vero Beach, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 28, 1980, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N398GT) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with power lines and trees during a low pass after the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude. 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 twin-engine aircraft crashed into power lines and trees during a nighttime low pass near Vero Beach, killing both occupants. The pilot misjudged altitude.

Incident Overview and Location Details On a night operation, a twin-engine aircraft was attempting to land in a remote area within the Vero Beach region. During the approach, the aircraft struck power lines and trees before crashing to the ground. The source does not specify the exact date, aircraft registration, or operator. ## Casualties and Official Findings Both individuals on board were killed in the accident. The official investigation determined that the probable cause was a collision with power lines and trees during a low pass, which occurred after the pilot-in-command misjudged the aircraft's altitude.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Vero Beach, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into power lines and trees during a nighttime low pass near Vero Beach, killing both occupants. The pilot misjudged altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 1980 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N398GT, operated by Private United States of America, at Vero Beach, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Collision with power lines and trees during a low pass after the pilot-in-command misjudged altitude.

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