# Accident 20151201021339A: Piper PA-32-260, Opa_locka, FL, December 1, 2015

- Type: FAA accident report (Accident/Incident Data System), as reported
- Date: December 1, 2015, 10:37 local time
- Place: Opa_locka, FL
- Airport: Opa Locka Executive Airport
- Damage: Destroyed
- Phase of flight: Takeoff: Climb Out
- Operating rules: General operating rules (Part 91)
- Location: 25.8972° N, 80.0892° W: From the FAA
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.8972&lon=-80.0892&mi=10
- Aircraft: N5568J, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5568J-2018-05-30) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry model: Piper PA-32-260 (registry code 7103206, https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Lycoming 0-540 series (registry code 41532, https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Reported engine: LYCOMING 0-540 SERIES
- People aboard: 3
- Fatal injuries: 0
- Other injuries: 3
- NTSB investigation: [NTSB ERA16LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA053) (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA source: FAA Aviation Safety Information Portal (https://asip.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151201021339A

## Narrative

As the FAA filed it, in capitals; the FAA replaces private details with ^PRIVACY DATA OMITTED^.

PILOT DEPARTED OPA LOCKA AIRPORT (KOPF) AND AROUND 800 FEET OF ALTITUDE HE SMELL SOMETHING COMING FROM THE VENTS BETWEEN THE GLARESHIELD AND WINDSHIELD, AT THAT TIME HE CONTACTED THE CONTROL TOWER INDICATING THAT HE WAS RETURNING BACK TO THE AIRPORT. AT THAT POINT HE EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ENGINE THRUST AND SUBSEQUENTLY HE SAW FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COWLINGS. WHILE TRYING TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTING AIRPORT AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN A GLIDE RATIO, PILOT MADE THE DECISION TO LAND AT THE MOST SAFE LOCATION, CRASHING ONTO A WATER CANAL NEAR THE OPA-LOCKA AIRPORT.

## The NTSB's investigation of this event (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ERA16LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA053), Dec 1, 2015: Piper PA-32 (N5568J), Opa Locka, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: Maintenance personnel's inadequate inspection of the exhaust system, which resulted in the escape of exhaust gases into the engine compartment and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

## Other reports on N5568J (1)

Matched to the same aircraft by N-number and date.

- [Incident 20020522010659I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020522010659I), May 22, 2002: Piper PA32260 (N5568J), Opalocka, FL, Minor damage. (-23) On may 22, 2002, Mr. James hunter webster, holder of pilot's certificate (#239707171) operated N5568J on a training flight from opa locka airport in opa…

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. For accidents, the NTSB's own investigation is the fuller record.

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