# NTSB Accident MIA97FA082
> **Cessna 402C** · 1997-02-08 · ST. THOMAS · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** MIA97FA082
- **Event ID:** 20001208X07433
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-02-08
- **Location:** ST. THOMAS
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 2
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 3
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 5
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Cessna
- **Model:** 402C
- **Registration:** N318AB
- **FAR Part:** 135
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** NDRK
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain altitude while making a visual approach at night over water in black hole conditions resulting in the aircraft descending and crashing into the sea. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the pilot and operator to use all available air traffic control and navigational facilities, and the FAA Principle Operations Inspector's inadequate surveillance of the operation.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=MIA97FA082) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*