On October 12, 1987, a Cessna 150L (registration N11939) operated by Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Guam, PO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power during flight which necessitated an emergency water landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Piper Aztec experienced engine failure at 1,500 feet while flying from Saipan to Guam. The aircraft was ditched in the ocean north of Guam. All occupants were rescued by a Navy helicopter.
What happened
The pilot reported a sudden loss of engine power while operating a Piper Aztec at an altitude of 1,500 feet mean sea level. The flight was en route from Saipan to Guam in the Marianas Islands. Unable to maintain altitude or reach the destination, the pilot executed a water landing in ocean waters approximately two miles north of Guam.
Findings
The aircraft was not recovered from the sea. However, all occupants on board were successfully rescued by a U.S. Navy helicopter roughly 50 minutes after the ditching occurred. The investigation focused on the mechanical failure that led to the power loss.
Probable cause
A loss of engine power during flight which necessitated an emergency water landing.