AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: N8845Z VIDEO

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a tragic accident that took place last week.

On May 14, 2022, a Cessna 172 made an emergency landing on the Haulover Inlet Bridge in Miami Beach, Florida. On the ground, the airplane struck a minivan occupied by a woman and two small children who were not seriously injured. The collision caused the airplane to flip and catch fire. The pilot’s two adult relatives were able to escape the burning airplane with serious injuries. Sadly, a 36-year-old pilot and Miami International Airport tower controller Narciso Torres died in the accident.

“In Early Analysis: N8845Z, the AOPA Air Safety Institute wants to help pilots understand what is known about the accident and we look at factors that are likely to be a subject of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)," said AOPA's ASI Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden. The flight departed North Perry Airport in Hollywood, Florida, around 12:38 p.m., crossed the shoreline, and then flew south along the coast destined for Key West. It appears about 10 minutes into the flight, shortly after flying along the coast, the pilot reported an engine problem to Miami’s Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. He then turned inland to the north. It’s important to remember this video was made based solely on information that is currently available to help provide an understanding of the accident. The NTSB could conclude further information during their investigation that was previously unknown, which could alter our understanding of this accident.”

Early Analysis videos provide an initial assessment of prominent mishaps that generate large public interest and may indicate important safety lessons for the general aviation community.

View the new video here and the entire series here.