Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206 near Atlantic Ocean, AO — 2016-04-15

Final reportERA16LA158
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Date
2016-04-15
Location
Atlantic Ocean, AO
Aircraft
CESSNA U206
Registration
N1346Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reason(s) that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before departing on the overwater cross-country flight, he performed a preflight inspection and noted that the engine oil quantity was full. He also performed an engine run-up before takeoff, during which no discrepancies were noted, and he specifically stated that the oil pressure was satisfactory. After takeoff, the flight proceeded toward the destination. About 20 minutes from the destination, the pilot noticed a sudden loss of oil pressure and saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The engine subsequently lost power, and the pilot ditched the airplane into the ocean. The airplane sank in about 2,360 ft of water and was not recovered. Although the engine oil and oil filter were changed the day before the accident flight, no correlation could be made between that event and the reported loss of engine power. Because the airplane and engine were not recovered and could not be examined, no determination could be made as to the reason(s) for the sudden loss of oil pressure, smoke, and then subsequent total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an earlier diversion upon noticing oil pressure drop.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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