Pilot Debrief

JABIRU 250 near Daytona Beach Shores, FL — 2018-10-16

Final reportERA19LA018
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Date
2018-10-16
Location
Daytona Beach Shores, FL, USA
Aircraft
JABIRU 250
Registration
N207Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on the 300-nautical mile, 3-hour cross-country flight with 5 ½ hours of fuel onboard. About 7 miles from the destination airport at an altitude of 1,000 ft mean sea level, the engine sputtered, then lost total power. The propeller continued to windmill as the pilot attempted to troubleshoot and restart the engine utilizing the fuel boost pump, but he was unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing into the ocean about 100 yards from shore, and then extricated himself and was rescued. The airplane remained submerged in the ocean for 18 hours before it was recovered. During recovery, 5 gallons of aviation fuel was removed from the fuel tanks. The engine and components were corroded due to the saltwater immersion, which precluded testing of the engine. The reported weather conditions were not conducive to the development of carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to an alternate airport before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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