On January 10, 1987, a Smith, Ted Aerostar AEROSTAR 601 (registration N181X) was involved in an aviation accident near Pahokee, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an over-water approach to Runway 17, the pilot slowed for traffic, lowered gear, and extended partial flaps. He then felt a loss of altitude and airspeed, attributed to right engine failure, but the rudder pedals did not indicate a malfunction. After adding power and retracting flaps, the aircraft crashed into the lake. Post-crash examination found no evidence of right engine malfunction.
Accident Overview
A pilot was conducting an over-water approach to Runway 17 when he observed traffic preparing to land ahead of him. He slowed the aircraft for traffic separation, lowered the landing gear, and extended partial flaps.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported feeling an abnormal loss of altitude and airspeed, which he attributed to a failure of the right engine. However, he noted that the rudder pedals did not feel as though the engine had malfunctioned. He added power to maintain an airspeed above VMC, then applied full power when he did not receive the expected response in thrust or airspeed. The flaps were retracted, and the aircraft subsequently crashed into the lake.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the right engine revealed no evidence of malfunction.