What happened
While descending, the pilot noticed that the oil pressure was dropping. In response to the declining pressure, the pilot began a turn toward an airport located on a nearby island. During this maneuver, the engine stopped operating. The pilot was unable to reach the intended airport and subsequently ditched the aircraft.
The investigation
The engine was recovered following the accident. Upon inspection, the oil sump showed signs of deterioration resulting from salt water immersion. During the disassembly of the engine, investigators found only trace amounts of oil remaining. The teardown revealed that the connecting rod for the number 5 cylinder had failed.
Records from the aircraft logbooks indicated that an annual inspection had been completed the day before the accident, and the aircraft had been in operation for approximately one hour since that inspection.