Cessna A185F Water Impact Near Yabucoa, Puerto Rico (N8436Q)

Accident Overview and Flight History On July 1, 2011, at approximately 1433 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna A185F, N8436Q, was substantially damaged when it impacted the waters of the Caribbean Sea near Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. The certificated commercial pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The flight was a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal operation that departed Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (TJCP) on Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, and was destined for Mercedita Airport (TJPS) in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot and passengers had earlier departed TJPS and flew to TJCP to tour the island and spend time on its beaches. At approximately 1416, the airplane departed TJCP on its return flight but did not arrive at TJPS. On July 3, 2011, a family member reported the airplane overdue to the Ponce Municipal Police, initiating a search by local, state, and federal authorities.