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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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June 25, 1988 · Piper PA-28-180 · N15986

Madeira Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 25, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Madeira Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N15986
Operator
Parras Guy
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA88FA206

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT WAS FLYING ABOUT 20 FEET ABOVE THE BAY WHEN THE LEFT WING DIPPED INTO THE WATER. THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED AND SANK. WITNESSES SAID THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN BUZZING HOMES AND BOATS ALL ALONG THE COAST, FROM CLEARWATER SOUTH TO THE AREA OF THE CRASH. TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE PILOT REVEALED A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.25%. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE OPERATOR OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT POSSESS AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE OR A STUDENT PILOT MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS REGISTERED TO THE PILOT'S DECEASED FATHER. ACCORDING TO PERSONNEL AT THE AIRPORT WHERE THE AIRCRAFT WAS BASED, THE PILOT HAD BEEN USING THE AIRPLANE SINCE THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED ON MAY 16, 1988.

Full Narrative

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT WAS FLYING ABOUT 20 FEET ABOVE THE BAY WHEN THE LEFT WING DIPPED INTO THE WATER. THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED AND SANK. WITNESSES SAID THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN BUZZING HOMES AND BOATS ALL ALONG THE COAST, FROM CLEARWATER SOUTH TO THE AREA OF THE CRASH. TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE PILOT REVEALED A BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.25%. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE OPERATOR OF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT POSSESS AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE OR A STUDENT PILOT MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS REGISTERED TO THE PILOT'S DECEASED FATHER. ACCORDING TO PERSONNEL AT THE AIRPORT WHERE THE AIRCRAFT WAS BASED, THE PILOT HAD BEEN USING THE AIRPLANE SINCE THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED ON MAY 16, 1988.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN15986
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorParras Guy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 9 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data