# NTSB MIA94FAMS2: Piper PA-23-250, N6844Y, Missing, September 19, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1994, 08:42 local (12:42 UTC)
- Place: Missing
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 5 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 18, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37434
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94FAMS2
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37434/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94FAMS2

## Probable cause

UNDETERMINED.

## 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 AIRPLANE WAS LOST FROM RADIO AND RADAR CONTACT OVER THE CARIBBEAN SEA. THE AIRPLANE AND THE OCCUPANTS WERE NOT LOCATED DURING SEARCH OPERATIONS. REVIEW OF WEATHER SATELLITE IMAGES AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE AIRPLANE WAS LOST IN AN AREA OF BUILDING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. THE INJURIES AND AIRCRAFT DAMAGE REPORTED ABOVE ARE PRESUMED.

## Factual narrative

On September 19, 1994, about 0842 Atlantic standard time, N6844Y, a Piper PA-23-250, registered to the pilot, Mr. Fitzroy Williams, disappeared from radar over the Caribbean Sea, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The weather condition near the accident location are unknown and an IFR flight plan had been filed and activated. The airplane, the pilot and the four passengers have not been found; therefore, the damage is presumed to be destroyed and the injuries are presumed to be fatal. The flight originated from Canefield Airport, Dominica, about 0730 the same day.

FAA controllers on duty at San Juan, Puerto Rico, CERAP, stated that the pilot had reported over ILURI intersection on Amber 555 airway at 8,000 feet. Shortly thereafter about 0842, the controller lost radar and radio contact with the airplane. The last recorded radar contact with the airplane was at 7,800 feet about 16 miles northwest of ILURI intersection. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted air and sea searches with negative results.

A review of available weather satellite data revealed that an area of intense and building showers and thunderstorms along the Amber 555 airway, in the vicinity of where radar contact with the flight was lost.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6844Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6844Y-2014-11-13), registration cancelled 2014-11-13, S/N 27-4188, 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
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-C4B5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Williams, Fitzroy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TDCF, CANEFIELD, OF
- Destination: KSTT, ST.THOMAS
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 264 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 95 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 19940919028329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940919028329A), Sep 19, 1994: Piper PA23250, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Destroyed, 5 fatal. ATC lost radar contact with N6844Y over caribbean. Became missing. Thunderstorm in area. Incomplete report.

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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