On April 5, 1987, a Piper PA-18-125 (registration N9663H) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft.lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failure, which could not be determined due to lack of evidence of pre-crash mechanical malfunction. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft suffered an in-flight engine failure while towing a banner approximately 200-300 yards offshore at an altitude of roughly 500 feet. The pilot was unable to restart the engine, released the banner, and ditched the airplane in the ocean.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft was engaged in banner towing operations approximately 200-300 yards offshore from the shoreline. At an altitude of roughly 500 feet, the engine began to sputter and subsequently stopped running completely. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. With the powerplant inoperative, the pilot released the tow banner and proceeded to ditch the aircraft in the ocean.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the engine and its corresponding systems was conducted to determine the cause of the failure. The inspection revealed no evidence of pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction within the powerplant or associated systems. Despite this thorough examination, investigators could not determine the specific reason for the engine failure.
Findings
The investigation concluded that the engine failure occurred without any detectable mechanical cause. The inability to restart the engine led directly to the ditching of the aircraft in the ocean. No further contributing factors were identified beyond the unexplained loss of power.
Probable cause
The engine failure, which could not be determined due to lack of evidence of pre-crash mechanical malfunction.
What happened in the 5 Apr 1987 Piper PA-18-125 accident near Ft.lauderdale, FL?
An aircraft suffered an in-flight engine failure while towing a banner approximately 200-300 yards offshore at an altitude of roughly 500 feet. The pilot was unable to restart the engine, released the banner, and ditched the airplane in the ocean.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1987 involved a Piper PA-18-125, registration N9663H, at Ft.lauderdale, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failure, which could not be determined due to lack of evidence of pre-crash mechanical malfunction.
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