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Pilot Ditches Aircraft in Lake Michigan After Engine Failure (N5140S)

Gary, IN, US

On August 27, 1988, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N5140S) operated by Boersma, Henry L. was involved in an aviation accident near Gary, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE POWERPLANT DUE TO AN OIL LEAK AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING INTO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

While cruising over Lake Michigan at night, a loss of oil pressure led to an engine failure. The pilot glided toward shore but opted to ditch near the shoreline due to industrial terrain. He escaped and swam to a breakwater, was rescued about five hours later, and treated for hypothermia.

Introduction

On a night flight over Lake Michigan, a general aviation aircraft experienced a sudden loss of oil pressure, quickly followed by an engine failure. The pilot immediately initiated emergency procedures and prepared for a forced landing.

Incident

The pilot was able to glide the aircraft toward the shore. However, upon reaching the shoreline, he encountered industrial terrain that made a land landing unsafe. He therefore elected to ditch the aircraft in Lake Michigan near the shore.

Ditching

The pilot successfully ditched the aircraft in the lake. After the ditching, he exited the aircraft and swam to a breakwater. The aircraft subsequently sank.

Rescue and Recovery

The pilot was rescued approximately five hours after the ditching. He was treated for hypothermia. The aircraft sustained additional damage during its retrieval from the lake.

Investigation

An investigation into the incident found no mechanical reason for the loss of oil pressure.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 1988 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Gary, IN?

While cruising over Lake Michigan at night, a loss of oil pressure led to an engine failure. The pilot glided toward shore but opted to ditch near the shoreline due to industrial terrain. He escaped and swam to a breakwater, was rescued about five hours later, and treated for hypothermia.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 1988 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N5140S, operated by Boersma, Henry L., at Gary, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE POWERPLANT DUE TO AN OIL LEAK AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING INTO UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26521. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.