# NTSB MIA83LA037: Cessna 337, N2488S, 35 Nm W. Andros, Bahamas, November 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 20, 1982, 18:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: 35 Nm W. Andros, Bahamas
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69645
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA037
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69645/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA037

## Sequence of events

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

- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - artcc service - poor, atc personnel(artcc) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT 60 MILES FROM DESTINATION WAS DIVERTED TO NASSAU BECAUSE OF APPROACHING DARKNESS AND NO IFR FLIGHT PLAN ON N2488S. PILOT SAID HE WAS NOT IFR RATED AND DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUEL FOR TRIP TO NASSAU. NASSAU INSISTED UNTIL IT WAS DARK AND THEN RELENTED BY CLEARING N2488S TO LAND ANYWHERE. NO LAND IN SIGHT SO PILOT LANDED BY LIGHT OF SHIP AND WAS RESCUED BY COAST GUARD. AIRCRAFT SANK IN 4000 FT. OF WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2488S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2488S-2011-09-12), registration cancelled 2011-09-12, S/N 337-0788, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 337
- Registry model: [Cessna 337C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-337c) (registry code 2075712) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 337-0788
- Airframe hours: 250
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-C 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: C & H, Inc.
- Registered owner: C & H, Inc.
- Departed: YBS, BIMINI BAHAMAS, AO
- Destination: YIG, GREAT INAGUA, AO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 730 total, 30 in this make and model, 660 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 120° at 25 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 167 °F

## 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 19821120059219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821120059219A), Nov 20, 1982: Cessna 337C, West Andros Isl, Bahamas, Destroyed. Advised by ATC to divert to nassau due to darkness and file IFR. VFR pilot unable. Ran out of fuel, ditched at sea.

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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