Pilot Debrief

Beech 36 near Half Moon Bay, CA — 2019-08-21

Final reportWPR19LA238
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Date
2019-08-21
Location
Half Moon Bay, CA, USA
Aircraft
Beech 36
Registration
N134P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, on the morning of the accident, several preflight fuel samples from the airplane’s wing tanks contained debris, but he was eventually able to obtain clean fuel samples. He subsequently departed and made several stops at different airports before departing with another airplane as a flight of two for the purpose of taking photos. The pilot stated that he was performing a descending left turn when, about 3,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean, the engine lost total power but the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and ditched the airplane into the ocean. Immediately after impact, he and the passenger egressed and stood on the wing until the airplane sank into about 145 feet of water. The wreckage was not recovered and could not be examined; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have addressed fuel issues during preflight inspection more thoroughly.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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