On February 3, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5103Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Key Largo, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed into Atlantic Ocean waters, sinking nose-first into 15 feet of water. No usable fuel was found. 25 bales of marijuana in the cabin shifted forward, pinning the pilot and passenger.
Incident Details
An aircraft came to rest in the Atlantic Ocean after crashing and sinking nose-first into 15 feet of water. The impact caused 25 bales of marijuana, which were located in the cabin, to shift forward. The shifted bales pinned the pilot and passenger inside the aircraft.
Fuel and Cargo Findings
Investigators found no usable fuel in the aircraft following the accident. No fuel leakage was reported. The aircraft's cargo consisted of the 25 bales of marijuana. The origin and destination of the flight could not be determined.
Investigation Notes
Authorities were unable to ascertain the flight's departure point or intended destination. The depth of the water at the crash site was measured at 15 feet. The aircraft was not recovered, and the wreckage remains submerged.