Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Leads to Ditching in Atlantic (N734QR)

Atlantic Ocean, AO, US

On March 9, 1989, a Cessna P210N (registration N734QR) operated by Donald Leonard was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN A DITCHING IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. HIGH SEAS MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE PILOT FROM GETTING INTO HIS SURVIVAL SUIT. 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 en route from Gander to Shannon reported an engine failure and ditched in the Atlantic. The pilot was not found; pre-departure issues included a stuck throttle cable and failure to sump tanks.

Flight and Incident Overview

The aircraft was operating a flight from Gander, Newfoundland, to Shannon, Ireland. During the flight, the pilot reported an engine failure and subsequently ditched the aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the ditching, the wind was reported at 35 to 40 miles per hour, and wave heights were 25 to 32 feet.

Pre-Departure Issues

Prior to departure, the pilot had radioed that the aircraft's throttle cable was stuck. It was also reported that the pilot boarded the aircraft without sumping the fuel tanks.

Survival Equipment

Another aircraft reported that the pilot did not appear to put on his survival suit before or during the ditching.

Search and Recovery

A search for the pilot was conducted, but the pilot was not found. The aircraft was not recovered.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1989 Cessna P210N accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?

A pilot en route from Gander to Shannon reported an engine failure and ditched in the Atlantic. The pilot was not found; pre-departure issues included a stuck throttle cable and failure to sump tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N734QR, operated by Donald Leonard, at Atlantic Ocean, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN A DITCHING IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. HIGH SEAS MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE PILOT FROM GETTING INTO HIS SURVIVAL SUIT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27985. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.