Flight and Incident
The flight departed with full fuel tanks. During cruise flight at 1,200 feet, approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes later, the pilot reported that the engine began to miss. Attempts to correct the condition were unsuccessful. The condition continued, and the aircraft began to shake violently as oily smoke entered the cockpit.
Ditching and Evacuation
The pilot ditched the aircraft, which sank in approximately 2,500 feet of water. Both occupants exited the aircraft with no injuries, but the passenger reportedly lost his lifejacket during egress. The aircraft was not recovered.
Safety Equipment
The aircraft was equipped, as required, with a 4-person liferaft and a manually operated emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Both items were positioned in the baggage compartment but were not recovered before the aircraft sank.
Passenger Information
The passenger was not required to be medically certificated. According to a lawyer representing his estate, the passenger had undergone a cardiac triple bypass in November 1989 and was taking medication for high blood pressure and diabetes.