November 18, 2011, New Orleans, La., Cirrus Design Corp. SR20

At 1030 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it ditched in Lake Ponchartrain after a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The air transport-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. Instrument conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was in effect. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot observed the No. 2 cylinder head temperature rapidly increase followed by a drop in oil pressure. The pilot turned back and requested short vectors for an instrument approach. When the airplane was about four miles from the runway, the engine “blew” and the propeller stopped.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An airplane sustained substantial damage and its pilot minor injuries after ditching in Lake Pontchartrain shortly after takeoff due to a total loss of engine power.
The engine failure began with a rapid increase in cylinder head temperature and a drop in oil pressure, forcing the pilot to attempt a return before the engine "blew" and the propeller stopped.
The pilot executed a controlled water landing in instrument conditions, breaking through low clouds at 300 feet and activating the ballistic parachute system.
After landing, the pilot waited on the partially submerged aircraft for approximately 45 minutes until being rescued by a local fisherman.

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Shortly after takeoff, the pilot observed the No. 2 cylinder head temperature rapidly increase followed by a drop in oil pressure. The pilot turned back and requested short vectors for an instrument approach. When the airplane was about four miles from the runway, the engine “blew” and the propeller stopped. The pilot slowed the airplane and prepared for a water landing. The pilot said he broke through the low cloud layer at 300 feet above the water, extended flaps to 15 degrees, reduced airspeed until he heard the stall horn and activated the ballistic parachute system. The pilot rested on the tail of the partially submerged airplane for approximately 45 minutes until a local fisherman picked him up.