PORT ROYAL, VA, USA
N8215P
PIPER PA-24-250
THE PLT RECEIVED A WX BRIEFING WHICH FORECAST IFR AFTER 1800 EST. HE DEPARTED DCA IN LIGHT DRIZZLE CONDITIONS. ARPX 35 NM FROM DCA, RADAR SERVICE WAS TERMINATED AND THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT ATC TO NO AVAIL. HE REPORTED THAT NEAR THE BROOK VOR THE VOR NEEDLE WAS MOVING SLUGGISHLY AND THE AMMETER SHOWED A STRONG DISCHARGE. THE PLT STATED HE NOTED THE DG NOT WORKING. DUE TO THE DECREASE IN CEILING HE MADE A DESCENT TO 1000 FT MSL TO REMAIN VFR. AFTER 2 OR 3 MINUTES THE PLT MADE A 180 DEG TURN TO REMAIN VFR AND NOTED THE CEILING HAD DECREASED AROUND HIM AND HE WAS IN AN OPEN AREA APRX 1 TO 2 MILES WIDE. DURING THE TURN, PLT NOTED ARTIFICIAL HORIZON TUMBLED. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A ROAD DURING WHICH THE LEFT WING CONTACTED A STOP SIGN RESULTING IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF ACFT FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRICAL OR VACUUM SYSTEM OTHER THAN THE BATTERY WAS NEARLY DRAINED.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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