# NTSB MIA85LA209: Piper PA-32R-301, N8341L, Bahamas, Bahamas, July 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1985
- Place: Bahamas, Bahamas
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31425
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31425/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA209

## Sequence of events

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

- Missing aircraft, unknown
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT FAILED TO ARRIVE AT IT'S INTENDED DESTINATION ON A FLT FROM NASSAU, BAHAMAS TO OPA LOCKA ARPT, MIAMI, FL. THE ACFT WAS REPORTED MISSING BY THE MIAMI FSS. THE U.S. COAST GUARD INITIATED A SEARCH ON 07-12-85 AT ABOUT 1831 EDT & SEARCH WAS SUSPENDED ON 07-17-85. THE WHERE ABOUTS OF THE FOUR OCCUPANTS ARE UNKNOWN & THEY ARE PRESUMED FATAL. THE ACFT IS MISSING & THE DAMAGE INDEX IS PRESUMED TO BE DESTROYED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8341L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8341L-2003-07-17), registration cancelled 2003-07-17, S/N 32R-8313009, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301) (registry code 7103218) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8313009
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward Paz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MYNN, NASSAU, OF
- Destination: OPF, OPA LOCKA, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 225 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: 130° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 22,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MYNN

## 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 19850712030879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850712030879A), Jul 12, 1985: Piper PA32R301, Nassau, Bahamas, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Failed to arrive at intended destination, presumed lost at sea. Numerous thunderstorms along route.

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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