# NTSB MIA93LA064: Piper PA-23-250, N5044Y, Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean), February 7, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 7, 1993, 16:38 local (21:38 UTC)
- Place: Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 10, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33225
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA93LA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33225/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA93LA064

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN HIS OWN ABILITIES AND THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF BOTH ENGINES DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PERFORM IN-FLIGHT FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING.

## 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
  - 2 engines - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REQUESTED AND WAS ISSUED A FERRY PERMIT FROM THE FAA FOR THE FLIGHT FROM SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, TO FORT LAUDERDALE. HE CONVEYED HIS CONFIDENCE TO A FRIEND THAT HE COULD ACCOMPLISH THE FLIGHT WITHOUT A REFUELING STOP. ABOUT 6 HOURS 38 MINUTES LATER HE REPORTED BOTH ENGINES HAD FAILED AND HE WAS DITCHING. THE AIRPLANE AND THE PILOT WERE NOT RECOVERED. THE INJURY AND DAMAGE CLASSIFICATIONS ARE PRESUMED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5044Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5044Y-1993-03-01), registration cancelled 1993-03-01, S/N 272052 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 272052
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Caribbean Commodities
- Registered owner: Caribbean Commodities
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: TSJU, SAN JUAN, PR
- Destination: KHWO, HOLLYWOOD, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 350 total, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLL, 8 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 19930207001839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930207001839A), Feb 7, 1993: Piper PA23250, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Reported both engines failed near destination after long overwater flight from san juan. Ditched in ocean.

## Other investigations on N5044Y (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 IAD71FLJ14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD71FLJ14), Feb 18, 1971: Piper PA-23 (N5044Y), Durham, NC, incident, minor 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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