ASI Executive Director, Richard McSpadden, CFII, MEI, SES, MES, former Commander/Flight Leader for the USAF Thunderbirds, provides early analysis of an accident on May 14, 2022 when a Cessna 172 Skyhawk 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, 36 year old pilot and Miami International Airport tower controller Narciso Torres died in the accident. 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 the pilot reported an engine problem to Miami’s Terminal Radar Approach Control facility shortly after flying along the coast. He then turned inland to the north in search of an emergency landing spot.

In Early Analysis: N8845Z, the AOPA Air Safety Institute makes a preliminary assessment of the accident, addressing notable portions of the tragic flight and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate to determine a probable cause.