On July 9, 1987, a Piper PA-28 (registration N6852J) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Mistaken identification of the aircraft as a drug smuggler, leading to an aggressive intercept maneuver where rotorwash from a US Customs Blackhawk flipped the target aircraft upside down at a gliderport. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A US Customs Blackhawk helicopter mistakenly identified an aircraft as a drug smuggler, causing rotorwash to flip it upside down at an Everglades gliderport.
What happened
A United States Customs Service Blackhawk helicopter intercepted an aircraft after mistakenly identifying it as a suspected drug smuggling plane. The targeted aircraft subsequently landed at a gliderport located on the edge of the Everglades. Upon arrival, the Blackhawk helicopter swooped down in the immediate vicinity of the grounded aircraft. The powerful rotorwash generated by the military helicopter's rotors blew the aircraft upside down. This destructive incident occurred prior to the crew of the interceptor discovering their error regarding the identity of the target.
The investigation
The primary finding centers on the mechanical interaction between the two aircraft. The physical damage was caused directly by the aerodynamic forces (rotorwash) produced by the Blackhawk helicopter's rotors while it was operating in close proximity to the stationary aircraft at the gliderport.
Probable cause
Mistaken identification of the aircraft as a drug smuggler, leading to an aggressive intercept maneuver where rotorwash from a US Customs Blackhawk flipped the target aircraft upside down at a gliderport.
What happened in the 9 Jul 1987 Piper PA-28 accident near Miami, FL?
A US Customs Blackhawk helicopter mistakenly identified an aircraft as a drug smuggler, causing rotorwash to flip it upside down at an Everglades gliderport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jul 1987 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N6852J, at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Mistaken identification of the aircraft as a drug smuggler, leading to an aggressive intercept maneuver where rotorwash from a US Customs Blackhawk flipped the target aircraft upside down at a gliderport.
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