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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 19, 1994 · Piper PA-23-250 · N5333Y

Atlantic Ocean, AO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Atlantic Ocean, AO
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-250
Tail Number
N5333Y
Operator
Hermanos Al Rescate
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA161

The commercial pilot was conducting an aerial observation flight over the Atlantic Ocean looking for Cuban rafters. A boat was spotted with people waving as if they needed assistance. The pilot elected to make a low pass and drop a radio to the boat so they could communicate. The pilot descended to about 20 feet and collided with a mast on the boat. The pilot diverted to an airport and landed without further incident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain a visual outlook and a safe altitude while making a low pass over a boat, resulting in an in-flight collision with the boat mast.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 1994, about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-23-250, N5333Y, registered to C and I Flying Services, leased to Brothers to the Rescue, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 aerial observation flight, collided with a boat mast while maneuvering at a low altitude above the Atlantic Ocean. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Damage to the boat is unknown. The commercial pilot, and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Opa Locka, Florida, about 2 hours 10 minutes before the accident. The pilot diverted to Marathon, Florida, and landed without further incident. The accident was reported to the NTSB by a newspaper reporter 1 day after the accident. The pilot stated they spotted a boat about 50 miles southeast of Marathon, Florida, with personnel waving at the airplane. He elected to make a low pass and drop a radio to the boat so they could communicate. He descended to about 20 feet and collided with a mast on the boat.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-23-250
Tail NumberN5333Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHermanos Al Rescate
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNr
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data