# NTSB MIA83LA018: Piper PA-39, N8856Y, N. Ft. Lauderda, FL, October 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1982, 10:52 local (14:52 UTC)
- Place: N. Ft. Lauderda, FL
- Coordinates: 26.089941, -80.179565 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.0899&lon=-80.1796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71812
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71812/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA018

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

PILOT SAYS HE REFUELED AT NASSAU WITH 20 GALS IN AUX. TANKS. ESTIMATED 10 GALS EACH MAIN TANK. 45 MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE #1 ENG. FAILED. 5 MINUTES LATER #2 FAILED. AIRCRAFT SANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8856Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8856Y-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 39-11, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-39
- Registry model: [Piper PA-39](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-39) (registry code 7103902) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 39-11
- Airframe hours: 1900
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hernandez Aircraft Leasing Cor
- Registered owner: Hernandez Aircraft Leasing Cor
- Departed: NASSAU
- Destination: FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 7,000 total, 30 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 40° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Temperature: 165 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLL, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19821022055159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821022055159A), Oct 22, 1982: Piper PA39, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Destroyed. Aircraft ditched at sea. Pilots stated fuel contamination may have caused double engine failure.

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.

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