N8555L is a 1969 Piper PA-25-260. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 1 seat, powered by a Lycoming L-540-T4B5 rated at 260 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Waialua, HI. Its restricted airworthiness certificate was issued in May 1999. It has been registered to its current owner since Sep 2011. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 57 years old
- 1 of 53 Piper PA-25-260
2011
1999
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N8555L's record changes.
Prior to the glider tow flight, the pilot estimated that he had about 45 minutes of fuel on board; he also estimated that the flight would take about 12 minutes. The pilot reported that he did not visually check the fuel level prior to departing, but relied on the sight gauge. After releasing the glider and while in the descent, the engine lost power. Judging that he could not make the airport, the pilot landed just off shore in the ocean surf. A postaccident examination of the engine and propeller revealed no apparent damage to the propeller, and that when rotated there were no abnormal sounds detected from the engine. An examination of the airframe revealed that both ailerons were damaged, the fuselage was deformed, and the rudder was damaged. Additionally, when the fuel tank was inspected, which had not been breached, it was observed to be empty. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
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