FlightFinder
Check my flight
2 fatalities

Piper PA-23-250 Accident During Air Sampling Flight Near Santa Barbara (N6726Y)

Santa Barbara, CA, US

On October 4, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6726Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Barbara, CA. 2 people were killed. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On October 3, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 engaged in air sampling crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, California. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were fatally injured. The flight was on a predetermined route using LORAN NAVAIDs, and the operator confirmed correct waypoint entry.

Accident Overview

On October 3, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean while conducting an air sampling flight near Santa Barbara, California. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident. Both pilots on board were fatally injured.

Flight Details

The flight was planned along a predetermined route using LORAN navigation aids. The aircraft operator verified that the waypoints were correct and had been entered properly. During the flight, the aircraft was in radio communication with Santa Barbara Approach Control and reported no difficulties.

Operator Review

A subsequent review of the flight information by the operator indicated that the aircraft was on course as scheduled at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1985 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Santa Barbara, CA?

On October 3, 1985, a Piper PA-23-250 engaged in air sampling crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, California. The aircraft was destroyed and both pilots were fatally injured. The flight was on a predetermined route using LORAN NAVAIDs, and the operator confirmed correct waypoint entry.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Oct 1985 Piper PA-23-250 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1985 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6726Y, at Santa Barbara, CA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38056. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.