# NTSB MIA91FA155: Piper PA-24-250, N6376P, Long Boat Key, FL, May 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1991, 21:26 local (May 31, 1991, 01:26 UTC)
- Place: Long Boat Key, FL
- Coordinates: 28.150413, -82.480529 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.1504&lon=-82.4805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32752
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA91FA155
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32752/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA91FA155

## Probable cause

AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE WATER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED ON RADAR TO BE FLYING DIFFERENT HEADINGS THAN THE REQUESTED ONES.  THE CREW STATED THAT THEY WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DIRECTIONAL GYRO.  WHILE OVER WATER AT NIGHT THE AIRPLANE DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR AND RADIO CONTACT.  WITNESSES ON THE BEACH OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE IN A SPIN UNTIL WATER CONTACT.  THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT RECOVERED AND ONLY ONE PILOT'S BODY WAS LOCATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6376P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6376P-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 24-1486, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1495
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mutz, Dale
- Registered owner: Mutz, Dale
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 5, 1990
- Departed: SRQ, SARASOTA, FL
- Destination: PIE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 75 total, 2 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 70° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Observed at: PIE, 21 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 19910530018499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910530018499A), May 30, 1991: Piper PA24250, Longboat Key, FL, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Failed to follow ATC advisorys said dg not working crashed in gulf owner had not authorized use of aircraft.

## Other investigations on N6376P (1)

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.

- [NTSB DIA67D0092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA67D0092), Apr 23, 1967: Piper PA-24 (N6376P), Mullens, WV, substantial damage

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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