No fatalities

Pilot Reports Dual Engine Failure Leading to Ditching During Overwater Ferry Flight (N1259M)

Kahului, HI, US

On November 13, 1988, a Cessna 337E (registration N1259M) operated by Brents International was involved in an aviation accident near Kahului, HI. No fatalities were reported. 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

A pilot reported high oil temperature and low oil pressure in the rear engine during a long overwater ferry flight, leading to sequential engine failures and a ditching. The aircraft was not recovered, and the pilot was rescued.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported experiencing engine difficulties during an extended overwater ferry flight. After approximately 10 hours of flight, the pilot observed high oil temperature and low oil pressure indications from the rear engine. The rear engine subsequently began running rough, prompting the pilot to shut it down, feather its propeller, and increase power on the front engine.

Subsequent Engine Issues

About one hour later, the front engine began indicating a high cylinder head temperature (CHT). The pilot reduced power on the front engine and attempted to restart the rear engine. However, after approximately 10 minutes of operation, the rear engine again ran very rough, leading the pilot to shut it down and secure it for a second time.

Final Power Loss

While communicating with a Coast Guard C-130 and providing a position report, the front engine lost power completely. The pilot reported that sufficient fuel remained aboard and that the front engine had been running on the main tank. The pilot attempted to restart both engines without success.

Ditching and Rescue

Unable to restart either engine, the pilot ditched the aircraft in the ocean and was eventually rescued. The aircraft was not recovered.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Nov 1988 Cessna 337E accident near Kahului, HI?

A pilot reported high oil temperature and low oil pressure in the rear engine during a long overwater ferry flight, leading to sequential engine failures and a ditching. The aircraft was not recovered, and the pilot was rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Nov 1988 Cessna 337E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Nov 1988 involved a Cessna 337E, registration N1259M, operated by Brents International, at Kahului, HI.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27283. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.