# NTSB MIA85LA110: Rockwell 680E, N709G, Key West, FL, March 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 1, 1985, 00:15 local (04:15 UTC)
- Place: Key West, FL
- Coordinates: 24.549921, -81.780662 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.5499&lon=-81.7807&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): 31360
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA110
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31360/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA110

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A COAST GUARD FALCON ACFT WAS ON SCENE WHEN THE ACFT DITCHED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. A LIFE RAFT & MARKER WERE DROPPED BY THE COAST GUARD ACFT. A SEARCH WAS CONDUCTED ALL DAY ON 3/1/85 & WAS CALLED OFF AT SUNSET ON ON 3/2/85. THE OCCUPANTS WERE PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN FATALLY INJURED OR DROWNED. THE ACFT WAS PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN DESTROYED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N709G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N709G-2013-02-20), registration cancelled 2013-02-20, S/N 680E-865-82, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL 680E
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 680-E](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-680-e) (registry code 0141604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GSO&IGSO-480 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-gso-igso-480-series) (registry code 41529, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 680E86582
- Engines: LYCOMING GSO-480-B1A6 340 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: National Bank Of Commerce
- Registered owner: Tfaffen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MZBZ, BELIZE, OF
- Destination: EWY, KEY WEST, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 30° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EWY, 240 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 19850301044129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850301044129A), Mar 1, 1985: Gulstm 680E, Key West, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Ditched, coast guard standing by. Presumed fatal, wreckage not found. Fuel exhaustion at night. Actual dist 240.

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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