Casualties unknown

1993-10-14: Piper PA-31 (N7079J) — Flight Contract Services — Hilo, HI

Hilo, HI, US

On October 14, 1993, a Piper PA-31 (registration N7079J) operated by Flight Contract Services was involved in an aviation accident near Hilo, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flight after experiencing a right engine magneto failure and subsequent left engine overheating, which led to the necessity of an oceanic ditching. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right engine failure due to magneto issues during an oceanic ferry flight, forcing the pilot to ditch into the Pacific Ocean. Both crew members were successfully rescued.

What happened

During an oceanic ferry flight, the aircraft encountered a critical mechanical issue with the right engine. The pilot in command (PIC) reported that the right engine developed magneto problems, which resulted in only residual power being available from that side of the aircraft.

In response to the loss of thrust on the right wing, the PIC increased the power setting on the remaining left engine to maintain flight control and altitude. However, this action placed excessive strain on the single operating engine, causing it to overheat shortly thereafter.

With both engines effectively compromised—one due to magneto failure and the other due to overheating—the PIC determined that continuing the flight was no longer safe. The decision was made to ditch the airplane into the Pacific Ocean. Despite the emergency nature of the event, both crewmembers were successfully rescued from the water.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue flight after experiencing a right engine magneto failure and subsequent left engine overheating, which led to the necessity of an oceanic ditching.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13589. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.