# NTSB MIA85FA089: Piper PA-23-250, N5103Y, Key Largo, FL, February 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 3, 1985, 04:00 local (09:00 UTC)
- Place: Key Largo, FL
- Coordinates: 25.080526, -80.440925 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.0805&lon=-80.4409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31226
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85FA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31226/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85FA089

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flt with inadqt en route/destn facilities - performed, pilot in command
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - nacelle/pylon - water,glassy

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE WATERS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND SANK NOSE FIRST INTO 15 FEET OF WATER. ON IMPACT THE 25 BALES OF MARIJUANA LOCATED IN THE CABIN OF THE AIRCRAFT SHIFTED FORWARD AND PINNED THE PILOT AND PASSENGER IN THE AIRCRAFT. NO USABLE FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE AIRCRAFT AND NO FUEL WAS REPORTED TO HAVE LEAKED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THE DESTINATION OR ORIGIN OF THE FLIGHT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5103Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5103Y-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N 27-2128, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-250) (registry code 7102308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 27-2128
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1D5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Beta Equipo Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Night/dark
- Wind: 170° at 1 knots
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TMB, 40 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 19850203001459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850203001459A), Feb 3, 1985: Piper PA23250, Key Largo, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Impacted water in level attitude after fuel ran out. Unrestrained bales of marijuana pinned occupants in 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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