Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II Near Yulee, Florida
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at approximately 9:35 a.m. local time, emergency services received reports of an aircraft crash in a wooded area near Blackrock Road in Nassau County, Florida. Responders were dispatched to the scene at the 96060 block of Blackrock Road, approximately 150 meters from Nassau Airport (83FL), where they discovered that N30689, a Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II, had crashed with one person on board. According to local authorities, the 56-year-old pilot did not survive the impact.
The aircraft N30689 had previously departed from Clearwater Air Park (KCLW) and had most recently taken off from Nassau Airport (83FL), en route to Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (KFHB), when the incident occurred. According to investigators, N30689 had just departed Nassau Airport (83FL) in a climbing left turn when it experienced technical difficulties. Witnesses close to the crash site reported hearing sounds consistent with an engine failure, but did not observe the actual impact.
The aircraft came down in a small wooded area of a residential backyard near Blackrock Road, causing a fire that damaged a nearby fence. A resident who lived near the crash site reported that had the aircraft landed any closer, her house could have been severely damaged or destroyed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were promptly notified and have launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the crash involving N30689. Investigators have been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage, review flight data, and analyze environmental conditions.
N30689 Aircraft Details
The Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II is a high-performance, single-engine aircraft widely respected for its capabilities and reliability in general aviation
- Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025
- Time: c. 09:30 LT
- Type: Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II
- Owner/Operator: Private
- Registration: N30689
- Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN): 32R-7885282
- Maximum Capacity: 6 passengers plus 1 pilot
- Cruising Speed: Approximately 156 KIAS (180 mph)
- Range: Approximately 748 nautical miles
- Phase of Flight: Initial climb
- Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
- Departure airport: Nassau Airport, FL (83FL)
- Destination airport: Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, FL (KFHB)
The Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II is recognized in the aviation community for its spacious cabin, retractable landing gear, and reliable performance. It features a Lycoming O-540 series engine providing consistent power for cross-country flights. As a complex aircraft, the PA-32RT requires proper training and proficiency for safe operation.
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Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB and FAA will investigate multiple factors to determine the cause of the crash:
Pilot’s Background
- Reviewing flight history, training, and certification records
- Assessing the pilot’s health and medical condition prior to the flight
- Checking recent flight activity and departure/approach procedures familiarity
Aircraft Condition
- Inspecting maintenance records
- Evaluating the structural integrity of the aircraft post-crash
- Investigating potential mechanical failures, including engine and flight control systems
Environmental and External Factors
- Reviewing weather conditions at the time of the flight
- Assessing if visibility issues played a role
- Evaluating airspace conditions and possible departure challenges
Key Initial Findings
- N30689 experienced technical issues shortly after takeoff
- Ground witnesses reported hearing sounds consistent with an engine failure
- The aircraft N30689 impacted terrain approximately 150 meters from Nassau Airport (83FL)
- The crash exhibited characteristics of a stall/spin type impact pattern
- Local authorities responded to the scene and secured the area pending NTSB arrival
Any cockpit voice recordings, ADS-B data, and communications with ATC will also be examined, if available. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within a few weeks and will provide additional details about the accident involving N30689.
Authorities have requested that any witnesses or individuals with relevant information contact the Florida Highway Patrol. Additionally, flight tracking data, any available communications, and eyewitness accounts will be used to help reconstruct N30689’s final moments.
gofundme Funeral expenses for Pilot Jonathan Campos
Key Pilot Takeaways from This Crash
Monitor engine health during takeoff: Maintain vigilance for any signs of power loss during critical phases
Rehearse engine-out procedures regularly: Practice emergency procedures until they become second nature
Maintain climb airspeed to avoid stall/spin: Ensure proper airspeed even during emergency situations
Know surrounding terrain and emergency landing options: Always have a plan for where to go if the engine fails
Complex aircraft endorsement matters: Remember that aircraft like the Lance II with retractable gear and constant speed propeller require additional training and proficiency
Statement from Authorities
Local authorities in Nassau County have expressed their condolences to the family of the victim and have pledged full cooperation with the NTSB and FAA as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident involving N30689.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources. Pilots who fly similar Piper PA-32RT-300 aircraft or who have tracked N30689 in the past are encouraged to follow the investigation for valuable safety insights.
Additional Resources for Pilots
FlightAware Tracking Data
Pilots interested in reviewing the flight path of N30689 prior to the accident may check FlightAware or similar flight tracking services using the registration number.
NTSB Aviation Accident Database
The NTSB will add information about N30689 to their aviation accident database once the preliminary report is released. Pilots can search for updates using the registration number N30689.
FAA Registry Information
For detailed registration and airworthiness information on N30689, visit the FAA Registry.
Similar Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II Accidents
Pilots looking to understand common factors in Piper PA-32RT-300 accidents can research previous incidents involving this aircraft type through the NTSB database. Understanding historical patterns can improve safety awareness for current operators of similar aircraft.
Filing NASA ASRS Reports
If you operate a similar aircraft and have experienced any related mechanical or operational issues, consider submitting an Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) report to NASA. These confidential reports help identify potential safety concerns across the fleet.
FAA Safety Briefing on Stall/Spin Accidents
For additional information on preventing stall/spin accidents, particularly during engine failures after takeoff, refer to the FAA Safety Briefing resources.
Florida Highway Patrol is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has video footage of the incident to contact them to assist with the investigation.
Note: All reported details are preliminary and based on witness reports or publicly available information. Official findings will be determined by the NTSB.
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N30689 - Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II. Not a lot on this one. There were some indications that weather may have been a factor. R.I.P. to the pilot, and prayers to his family and friends.
— Aviation Accidents (@AviationSafetyX) May 13, 2025
Report: https://t.co/dOMEqz90OI
Fatal Accident (1) - Private, Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II,… pic.twitter.com/txAoIApzy2