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Crash of Aircraft into Water Near Albert Whitted Airport (N666RW)

Ocean City, MD, US

On October 29, 1988, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N666RW) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocean City, MD. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE INATTENTION TO ALTITUDE AND DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS OVER ILLUSIONARY PRODUCING FEATURELESS WATER. 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

An aircraft crashed into water about a mile northeast of Albert Whitted Airport after descending over water under dark night conditions. Witnesses reported engine sounds; no mechanical malfunction found.

Incident Narrative

Witnesses observed the aircraft flying approximately 2 miles north of the destination airport (OCY, Albert Whitted Airport) at an altitude of about 600 feet above ground level, heading east. The aircraft crossed the shoreline and proceeded over water. When it was about one-half mile offshore, it turned south. According to witnesses, the aircraft began descending at the time of the turn, and the descent continued until it crashed into the water, about a mile northeast of OCY.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported hearing engine sounds throughout the flight. They also noted dark night conditions existed over the water at the time of the accident.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Pilot Background

The pilot was denied an FAA medical certificate in August 1986 because of cardiovascular deficiencies. The pilot's body was not recovered.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Oct 1988 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Ocean City, MD?

An aircraft crashed into water about a mile northeast of Albert Whitted Airport after descending over water under dark night conditions. Witnesses reported engine sounds; no mechanical malfunction found.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Oct 1988 Piper PA-34-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Oct 1988 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N666RW, at Ocean City, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE ABOVE THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE INATTENTION TO ALTITUDE AND DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS OVER ILLUSIONARY PRODUCING FEATURELESS WATER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26993. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.