Casualties unknown

Aircraft Crashes into Water After Engine Failure at Sand Point (N493CA)

Sand Point, AK, US

On July 27, 1988, a Piper PA-32 (registration N493CA) operated by Johnson, Warren was involved in an aviation accident near Sand Point, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After reporting high oil temperature and moderate vibrations, the aircraft was inspected and released. Shortly after liftoff, the engine quit, and the aircraft crashed into water about 300 feet from shore, sinking into 80-90 feet of water. It was not recovered.

Incident Sequence

The pilot reported that the aircraft had high oil temperature and moderate vibrations. Following this report, the aircraft was landed at Sand Point. A company mechanic arrived to inspect the aircraft. The mechanic checked the oil quantity and performed a run-up. According to the mechanic, no problems were found, and the aircraft was released for flight.

Departure and Engine Failure

The aircraft had just departed the runway. Shortly after liftoff, at approximately 50 feet above mean sea level, the engine quit. The aircraft then crashed into the water about 300 feet from shore.

Post-Crash Situation

After the accident, the aircraft sank into 80 to 90 feet of water. The aircraft was not recovered.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1988 Piper PA-32 accident near Sand Point, AK?

After reporting high oil temperature and moderate vibrations, the aircraft was inspected and released. Shortly after liftoff, the engine quit, and the aircraft crashed into water about 300 feet from shore, sinking into 80-90 feet of water. It was not recovered.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1988 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N493CA, operated by Johnson, Warren, at Sand Point, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26104. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.