Accident Narrative
During descent, the pilot observed the oil pressure decreasing. He initiated a turn to land at an airport on a nearby island. Shortly after, he reported that the engine stopped. Unable to reach the intended airport, the pilot performed a ditching of the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The engine was recovered following the accident. The oil sump showed deterioration consistent with salt water immersion. When the engine was disassembled, the No. 5 cylinder connecting rod was found to have failed. The failure was attributed to oil exhaustion, though the reason for the oil exhaustion could not be determined. Only trace amounts of oil were present in the engine during disassembly.
Inspection History
Aircraft logbooks indicated that an annual inspection had been completed the day before the accident. Since that inspection, the aircraft had operated for approximately one hour.