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NTSB Report
February 21, 1996 · Piper PA-30-160 · N8740Y
St. Petersburg, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
St. Petersburg, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-30-160
Tail Number
N8740Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA96LA085
The pilot stated that while on final approach during an ILS approach he became distracted by the passenger and the airplane collided with water.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain the glide slope and becoming distracted by a passenger.
Full 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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 EST
Nearest AirportSt. Petersburg (0nm)
Runway17L
Runway Length8500 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-30-160
Tail NumberN8740Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 5 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:30
Weather SourceWFAC