Accident Overview
An aircraft ditched in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 40 miles east of Tavernier, Florida, while conducting an extended overwater flight to Georgetown, Bahamas. Following the accident, the aircraft sank. The pilot and passenger were rescued unharmed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported that about 35 minutes into the flight, fuel pressure dropped, and the engine sputtered before losing power entirely. The pilot did not elaborate on the circumstances leading to the fuel pressure drop.
Fuel System Details
According to the fixed-base operator (FBO) where the aircraft departed, the pilot had advised that the engine-driven fuel pump was inoperative and that he was relying on the electric fuel pump to supply fuel to the engine. The FBO also stated that the aircraft's fuel tanks had been topped off prior to departure.
Flight Plan and Purpose
The purpose of the flight remains unknown. The flight plan was cancelled shortly after departure.
Aftermath
The USCG rescued the pilot and passenger without injury. The aircraft sank after the ditching and was not recovered. No further details were provided.