Pilot Debrief

BEECH A23-24 near Venice, FL — 2011-01-12

Final reportERA11LA112
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Date
2011-01-12
Location
Venice, FL, USA
Aircraft
BEECH A23-24
Registration
N3670Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during climbout the engine suddenly lost power. An engine restart was attempted but was unsuccessful. The pilot realized he could not make it back to the airport and ditched the airplane into the ocean. According to the pilot, the airplane had 3.5 hours of fuel onboard at the time of departure, and residual fuel was observed in the fuel injector. A postaccident examination of the airframe and flight control system components revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the engine revealed that it was exposed to salt water with a corresponding degree of corrosion. A review of the engine maintenance records revealed that the engine was previously overhauled in the field 13 years prior to the accident. The engine manufacturer recommended the engine be overhauled after the accumulation of 2,000 hours or in the 12th year, whichever occurred first. Despite the corrosion damage and delayed overhaul, a complete examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a precautionary landing after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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