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Piper PA-28 ditched off Culebra after engine failure (N20FH)

Culebra, PR, US

On January 11, 1983, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N20FH) operated by U.s. Naval Station Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Culebra, PR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during cruise flight, leading to a forced ditching. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-28 suffered an in-flight engine failure while cruising at 1,800 feet MSL during a VFR flight from St. Thomas to Roosevelt Roads. The pilot successfully ditched the aircraft approximately 200 yards offshore near Culebra and swam to safety.

What happened

The flight originated in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, departing at 0900 under a visual flight rules (VFR) plan destined for Roosevelt Roads. The aircraft had previously discharged passengers within St. Thomas before commencing this leg of the journey.

While cruising at an altitude of 1,800 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine failed unexpectedly. The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures and turned toward the nearby island of Culebra in an attempt to reach land or a suitable landing area. Despite all efforts to restart the engine, the attempts were unsuccessful.

With no possibility of engine recovery, the pilot executed a controlled ditching approximately 200 yards offshore from Culebra. The aircraft sank rapidly upon impact with the water. The wreckage was not recovered due to the depth and location of the sinkage. The pilot swam ashore unassisted.

Probable cause

Engine failure during cruise flight, leading to a forced ditching.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jan 1983 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Culebra, PR?

A Piper PA-28 suffered an in-flight engine failure while cruising at 1,800 feet MSL during a VFR flight from St. Thomas to Roosevelt Roads. The pilot successfully ditched the aircraft approximately 200 yards offshore near Culebra and swam to safety.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jan 1983 Piper PA-32-260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jan 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N20FH, operated by U.s. Naval Station Flying Club, at Culebra, PR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during cruise flight, leading to a forced ditching.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42058. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.