St. Thomas Water Landing Due to Dual Engine Failure

Casualties unknown • St. Thomas, US

An aircraft experienced a loss of power in the left engine shortly after departing St. Thomas. The pilot secured the engine but later reported the right engine had also failed, resulting in a water landing.

What happened

Approximately three miles west of the airport at St. Thomas, the pilot reported to tower control that the flight was returning to land due to a loss of power from the left engine. The pilot secured the affected engine and began the return process. Upon reaching short final approach, the pilot attempted to lower the landing gear by moving the selector handle down, but the gear did not extend.

Tower personnel advised the pilot that the hydraulic pump responsible for extending both the landing gear and flaps was located on the left engine. Following this information, the pilot executed a go-around and manually pumped the gear down. While transitioning from base leg to final approach, the pilot informed tower control that the right engine had also stopped running. After turning onto final approach, the pilot announced that the aircraft was going into the water.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft and engines after the incident revealed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction in either the airframe or the propulsion systems.

Probable cause

Loss of power from both engines with no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure, leading to a water landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-10-12 Piper PA-23-250 accident near St. Thomas?

An aircraft experienced a loss of power in the left engine shortly after departing St. Thomas. The pilot secured the engine but later reported the right engine had also failed, resulting in a water landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-10-12 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6475Y, operated by Roosevelt Roads Flying Club, at St. Thomas.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of power from both engines with no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure, leading to a water landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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