The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power and ditched at about 0830 Eastern time. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual conditions prevailed.
According to the pilot, while returning to the airport following practice maneuvers, the engine lost power. The pilot announced the loss of engine power over the Unicom radio frequency and prepared the airplane for ditching. After ditching, the pilot and passenger egressed through the cabin door, and were picked up shortly afterwards by the Coast Guard. The pilot stated that the airplane floated for about three minutes and then began to sink.
December 13, 2007, Marathon, Fla., Piper PA-32-260
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power and ditched at about 0830 Eastern time. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, while returning to the airport following practice maneuvers, the engine lost power. The pilot announced the loss of engine power over the Unicom radio frequency and prepared the airplane for ditching. After ditching, the pilot and passenger egressed through the cabin door, and were picked up shortly afterwards by the Coast Guard. The pilot stated that the airplane floated for about three minutes and then began to sink.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power and successfully ditched at sea.
- The pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries.
- The airplane sustained substantial damage, floated for about three minutes, and then sank.
- The occupants were picked up by the Coast Guard shortly after egressing the aircraft.
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