# NTSB MIA96LA085: Piper PA-30-160, N8740Y, St. Petersburg, FL, February 21, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1996, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: St. Petersburg, FL
- Coordinates: 27.820482, -82.800285 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8205&lon=-82.8003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37983
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37983/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA085

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain the glide slope and becoming distracted by a passenger.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach
  - ifr procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

The pilot stated that while on final approach during an ILS approach he became distracted by the passenger and the airplane collided with water.

## Factual narrative

On February 21, 1996, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-30, N8740Y, registered to a private owner crashed into Tampa Bay while on approach for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida.  Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  The commercial-rated pilot and one passenger received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged.  The flight had originated from Foley, Alabama, about 0700, the same day.

The pilot had requested and received clearance for the ILS approach into the St. Petersburg International Airport due to adverse weather.  While on final approach the airplane crashed into Tampa Bay.  The pilot stated that his attention was distracted by the passenger.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8740Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8740Y-1996-07-16), registration cancelled 1996-07-16, S/N 301894 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-30-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30) (registry code 7103002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30-1894
- Engines: Lycoming IO-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Floyd D. Painter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 5R4, FOLEY, AL
- Destination: X41, NEW PORT RICHEY, FL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: PIE, St. Petersburg, runway 17L, 8,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,890 total, 6 in this make and model, 2,860 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,400 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE

## 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 19960221002409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960221002409A), Feb 21, 1996: Piper PA30, St Petersburg-C, FL, Substantial damage. During ILS approach impacted in bay short of runway. Failed monitor altitude. Water hard to see in fog and haze.

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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