Incident Overview
During an overwater flight approximately 20 miles southeast of Mayaguana Island, the aircraft's oil pressure dropped to zero. The pilot transmitted a distress message (mayday), which was forwarded to the Coast Guard. The pilot continued flying toward the island.
Engine Seizure and Ditching
Shortly after the oil pressure loss, the engine seized. The aircraft was ditched approximately 15 miles from shore. The pilot and the passenger egressed from the aircraft as it sank and inflated their life jackets.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The pilot and passenger observed several Coast Guard aircraft flying over their position and attempted to signal for help, but they were not sighted. They began swimming toward the shore. The passenger died before reaching it.
Rescue
After reaching the beach the following day, the pilot saw fishermen and was rescued. The wreckage was not recovered from the ocean.