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3 fatalities

Bodies and Debris Recovered from Atlantic Ocean Following VFR Flight (N8300X)

Atlantic Ocean, AO, US

On January 23, 1992, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N8300X) operated by Otfried H. Gaida was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNDETERMINED. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND WAS NOT LOCATED. 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

The non-instrument rated private pilot and two passengers departed on a VFR flight from Fort Lauderdale to Stella Maris. After radar termination, no further communications occurred. Two days later, bodies and items including a seat cushion were found.

Departure and Flight Plan

A non-instrument rated private pilot and two passengers departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Stella Maris, Bahamas. A VFR flight plan was filed but not activated. Miami Flight Service Station had advised that VFR flight was not recommended due to weather, but the pilot departed when the weather conditions permitted VFR flight.

Communications and Radar

During the flight, the pilot declined flight following in the outer ARSA and was informed that the transponder was not being detected on climb out. Radar service was terminated six minutes after takeoff. No other known radio communications with the pilot occurred after that point.

Search and Recovery

Two days after departure, a body was located in the Atlantic Ocean by a fishing boat. The Coast Guard was dispatched to the scene and subsequently discovered two additional bodies, two blue tote bags, a wallet, and a light brown airplane seat cushion in the same general area.

Identification and Items

All remains were identified by the medical examiner. Aircraft delivery documents indicated that buckskin seats were installed on the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jan 1992 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?

The non-instrument rated private pilot and two passengers departed on a VFR flight from Fort Lauderdale to Stella Maris. After radar termination, no further communications occurred. Two days later, bodies and items including a seat cushion were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jan 1992 Piper PA-32-301 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jan 1992 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N8300X, operated by Otfried H. Gaida, at Atlantic Ocean, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

UNDETERMINED. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND WAS NOT LOCATED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.