Pilot Debrief

Cirrus SR22 near Atlantic Ocean, AO — 2019-03-05

Final reportERA19TA120
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Date
2019-03-05
Location
Atlantic Ocean, AO, USA
Aircraft
Cirrus SR22
Registration
N345DM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of oil pressure and subsequent total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the yellow low oil engine pressure light illuminated about 2 hours into the flight while the airplane was at 8,000 ft mean sea level. The analog oil pressure gauge confirmed the low oil pressure reading of 25 psi. The oil pressure continued to drop, and the pilot notified air traffic control of the situation. As the oil pressure dropped to 2 psi, the engine vibrated strongly and the propeller stopped. The pilot established best glide speed and deployed the airplane parachute system about 1,500 ft above the water. The airplane landed in the water in an upright position. The life raft was inflated, and the pilots egressed from the airplane and were subsequently rescued by a passing cruise ship about 2 hours later. The airplane was not recovered from the ocean, which precluded a postaccident examination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted after low oil pressure warning at 8,000 ft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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