No fatalities

Engine Failure Forces Oceanic Ditching in Pacific (N7079J)

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. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-06-22Data 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.

All Piper PA-31 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 1993 Piper PA-31 accident near Hilo, HI?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Oct 1993 Piper PA-31 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 1993 involved a Piper PA-31, registration N7079J, operated by Flight Contract Services, at Hilo, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.