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Casualties unknown

Pilot Executes Ocean Forced Landing After Engine Failure (N6172F)

Groton, CT, US

On August 9, 1992, a Cessna 210J (registration N6172F) operated by William J. Dally was involved in an aviation accident near Groton, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AS A RESULT OF A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. 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 performed a forced landing in the ocean after an engine failure during an ILS approach, following rising oil temperature and loss of oil pressure. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.

Incident Overview

While cruising at an altitude of 6,000 feet, the pilot observed the engine oil temperature increasing. He requested vectors from air traffic control (ATC) to the nearest airport. Due to low ceilings, ATC cleared the pilot for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach.

Engine Failure

Approximately 8 nautical miles from the airport, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero, and the engine ceased operating completely. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in the ocean.

Aftermath

After the aircraft came to rest on the water, the pilot evacuated. The airplane subsequently sank and was not recovered from the ocean. The reason for the engine failure was not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1992 Cessna 210J accident near Groton, CT?

A pilot performed a forced landing in the ocean after an engine failure during an ILS approach, following rising oil temperature and loss of oil pressure. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1992 involved a Cessna 210J, registration N6172F, operated by William J. Dally, at Groton, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AS A RESULT OF A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.