Piper PA-34-200T N5636V

Summary

On 7 July 2003 at about 05:30 local time, a Piper PA-34-200T registered N5636V, operated by Robert J. Hecker, was involved in an accident near Montauk, New York, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 July 2003 at 05:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Montauk, New York, United States

Nearest airport

Montauk Airport (MTP)

Coordinates

41.0794, -71.9111

Aircraft

Piper PA-34-200T

Registration

N5636V

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Robert J. Hecker

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Montauk → Farmingdale

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

NYC03FA153

3 people died.

A loss of control during climb for undetermined reasons.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff at night, the airplane impacted a pond approximately 1/4-mile east of the airport. There were no known eyewitnesses to the accident, and the airplane was found about 10 hours later. The airplane was oriented nose-down, partially submerged in 6 feet of brackish water. A fuel slick was observed on the water, and fueling records indicated the airplane was adequately fueled for the takeoff. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The flaps were found in the full 40-degree extended position; however, the flap position at takeoff could not be verified. Subsequent examination of both engines did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot had a total flight experience of approximately 900 hours; of which about 100 hours were at night and 475 hours were in the accident airplane.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.