# NTSB MIA83LA070: Piper PA-32-260, N20FH, Culebra, PR, January 11, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 11, 1983, 09:13 local (13:13 UTC)
- Place: Culebra, PR
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30844
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA070
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30844/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA070

## 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

THE FLIGHT HAD DEPARTED ST. THOMAS, VI AT 0900 ON A VFR FLIGHT PLAN TO ROOSEVELT ROADS AFTER DISCHARGING PASSENGERS IN ST. THOMAS. WHILE ENROUTE IN CRUISE AT 1800 MSL THE ENGINE FAILED. HE TURNED TOWARD THE ISLAND OF CULEBRA AND WHEN ALL EFFORTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL, THE AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED ABOUT 200 YARDS OFFSHORE. THE PILOT SWAM ASHORE. THE AIRCRAFT SANK AND THE WRECKAGE WAS NOT RECOVERED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20FH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20FH-1983-01-11), registration cancelled 1983-01-11, S/N 32-154, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-154
- Airframe hours: 4513
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: U.S. Naval Station Flying Club
- Registered owner: Timothy A. Rocklein
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 12, 1982, 61 hours before
- Departed: STT, ST. THOMAS
- Destination: JNR, ROOSEVELT ROADS, PR
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 225 total, 38 in this make and model, 172 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JNR, 22 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 19830111005769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830111005769A), Jan 11, 1983: Piper PA32260, Culebra, Puerto Rico, Destroyed. Engine lost power over ocean. Aircraft ditched and sank. Pilot swam to nearby island. Cause of problem unknown.

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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