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Casualties unknown

Pilot Ditches After Engine Power Loss; Wreckage Recovered Over a Month Later (N9258S)

Nantucket, MA, US

On June 6, 1994, a Beech 24R (registration N9258S) was involved in an aviation accident near Nantucket, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the total loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain, for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to ensure that proper survival equipment was onboard the airplane was a related factor. 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 reported engine power loss and ditched an airplane. The wreckage was recovered more than a month after the accident. Postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical malfunction. The airplane had been fueled 'to the tabs' the day before, providing 22.4 gallons usable fuel for the round trip.

Accident Overview

While en route to the destination, the pilot advised air traffic control (ATC) that the airplane engine had lost power and that he was unable to maintain altitude, necessitating a ditching. Initial attempts to locate the wreckage and rescue the pilot were unsuccessful.

Wreckage Recovery and Examination

The airplane was recovered more than one month after the accident. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Fueling Details

The most recent known refueling occurred the day before the accident, when the airplane was reportedly fueled "to the tabs." This fuel load equals 15 gallons per side (30 gallons total), of which 22.4 gallons is considered usable fuel. After being fueled, the airplane was flown from Nantucket to Lawrence, and was returning to Nantucket when the accident occurred. The fuel tanks were compromised during impact.

Survival Equipment

No survival equipment was on board the airplane.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 1994 Beech 24R accident near Nantucket, MA?

A pilot reported engine power loss and ditched an airplane. The wreckage was recovered more than a month after the accident. Postaccident examination found no preimpact mechanical malfunction. The airplane had been fueled 'to the tabs' the day before, providing 22.4 gallons usable fuel for the round trip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 1994 involved a Beech 24R, registration N9258S, at Nantucket, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the total loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain, for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to ensure that proper survival equipment was onboard the airplane was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01449. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.