Piper PA-23-250 N250HP

Summary

On 31 October 1995 at about 19:00 local time, a Piper PA-23-250 registered N250HP was involved in an accident near Isbela Segunda. 4 people were on board and 4 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 October 1995 at 19:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Isbela Segunda

Nearest airport

Vieques (VQS)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-23-250

Registration

N250HP

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Vieques → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL96FA010

4 people died.

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft resulting in a stall. A factor was the mechanic's failure to properly maintain the forward baggage door locking mechanism.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The aircraft was on a VFR maintenance test flight. After takeoff, about 200 feet MSL, witnesses noticed the forward baggage door open. The pilot reduced power and began maneuvering. The aircraft stalled, banked left, and dove into the ocean. A witness stated that he heard the power increase prior to the aircraft entering the water. A discrepancy on the locking mechanism of the forward baggage door had been written up on 8/31/95, and no corrective action had been noted. Examination of the wreckage revealed improper maintenance of the forward baggage door locking mechanism and lock attach points.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.