# NTSB MIA96LA020: Piper PA-28-161, N970AC, Marco Island, FL, November 9, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 9, 1995, 08:50 local (13:50 UTC)
- Place: Marco Island, FL
- Location: 25.9320° N, 81.7048° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Marco Island, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.9320&lon=-81.7048&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 27, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37941
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37941/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA020

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.  THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Ditching, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that as he was approaching his destination airport the power smoothly decreased to idle power.  He initiated a forced landing to the water and the right wing was damaged as the airplane touched down in about 2 feet of water. Post accident inspection revealed no failures nor malfuntions that would have caused the loss of power.

## Factual narrative

On November 9, 1995, about 0850 eastern standard time, N970AC, a Piper PA-28-161 registered to Naples Air Center collided with water near Marco Island, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Naples, Florida, about 20 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that as he was approaching Marco Island Airport the power smoothly decreased to idle power. He initiated a forced landing to the water and the right wing was damaged  as the airplane touched down in about 2 feet of water.

A postaccident inspection found no failures nor malfunctions of the carburetor, magnetos, gears, cams, oil filter, and other engine parts.  All parts that were inspected were first dried then tested. The reason for the reported power loss was not determined.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N970AC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N970AC-1997-10-04), registration cancelled 1997-10-04, S/N 288216203 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8216203
- Airframe hours: 9585
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D36 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John F. Mcguire Jr
- Registered owner: Naples Air Center
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 24, 1995, 46 hours before
- Departed: APF, NAPLES, FL
- Destination: MKY, FL
- Airport: MKY, Marco Island Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 73; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 288 total, 162 in this make and model, 158 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 13 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: APF, 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 19951109041829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951109041829A), Nov 9, 1995: Piper PA28161, Marco Island, FL, Substantial damage. Lost power on approach to airport. Ditched offshore shallow water. Cause power loss not found.

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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