# NTSB MIA84LA250: Piper PA-31-350, N4499B, Marathon, FL, September 6, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1984
- Place: Marathon, FL
- Coordinates: 24.710142, -81.080345 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.7101&lon=-81.0803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31191
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84LA250
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31191/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA250

## Sequence of events

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

- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flt with inadqt en route/destn facilities - performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE COAST GUARD WAS ALERTED TO A DITCHED ACFT IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN NEAR MARATHON, FL. THE CG FOUND THE WRECKAGE OF A PA-31 AND 27 BALES OF MARIJUANA IN AND AROUND THE WRECKAGE. TWO MEN IN A LIFE RAFT, WHOSE COVER WAS STILL IN THE ACFT, WERE ARRESTED. ATTEMPTS TO REACH THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE ACFT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4499B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4499B-2018-01-23), registration cancelled 2018-01-23, S/N 31-7552105, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-350](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-350) (registry code 7103110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-7552105
- Engines: LYCOMING TIGO-541-E1A 425 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Jeffrey A. Miller
- Registered owner: Aero Consulting Corporation
- Departed: UNKNOWN
- Destination: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Not reported

## 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 19840906059659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840906059659A), Sep 6, 1984: Piper PA31350, Marathon, FL, Substantial damage. Aircraft was found ditched in ocean. Bales of marijuana were found in vicinity of aircraft.

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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