# NTSB MIA85LA151: Piper PA-23-250, N6984Y, Miami, FL, April 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1985, 17:26 local (22:26 UTC)
- Place: Miami, FL
- Coordinates: 25.650299, -80.490592 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.6503&lon=-80.4906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31388
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31388/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA151

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - control interference - inadvertent, passenger (cause)
  - gear retraction - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE PERMITTED A NON-PLT PAX TO CLOSE THE CABIN DOOR & HE, THE PLT DID NOT CHECK IT. SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF THE LANDING GEAR WAS RETRACTED & THE DOOR POPPED OPEN. THE PAX TURNED IN HIS SEAT TO CLOSE THE DOOR & BUMPED THE YOKE FORCING THE ACFT BACK TO THE RWY. THE PLT STATED THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF HE HAD CHECKED THE DOOR HIMSELF & HAD HE NOT RETRACTED THE GEAR SO SOON AFTER TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6984Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6984Y-2012-10-15), registration cancelled 2012-10-15, S/N 27-4353, built 1969 (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 TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 27-4353
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-C4B5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Seymour Gelzer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1984
- Departed: TMB
- Destination: FLL, FT.LAUDERDALE, FL
- Airport: Tamiami

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,980 total, 168 in this make and model, 2,956 as pilot in command, 180 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TMB

## 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 19850419013749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850419013749A), Apr 19, 1985: Piper PA23250, Miami, FL, Substantial damage. Door popped open and passenger intefered with yoke trying to shut door. Prop blade struck runway. Gear up landing.

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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