What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-06-30 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7041Y, at Sandy Hook, NJ.

Engine Failure and Ditching Near Shady Side, New Jersey (N7041Y)

On June 30, 1994, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7041Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Sandy Hook, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for reasons undetermined and the inability of the pilot to feather the propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During cruise, the number one engine made noises, lost power, and could not be restarted. The propeller failed to feather, and the pilot ditched the aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean off Shady Side, New Jersey.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during cruise flight, the number one engine began making unusual noises. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power. The pilot's attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Additionally, the pilot was unable to feather the propeller.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, the noise and vibration intensified. The pilot shut down the number one engine, but the propeller would not feather. The pilot stated, "Noise and vibration got stronger. Shut down Number 1 [engine]. Propeller would not feather....Could not hold altitude or airspeed...."

Ditching and Final Position

Faced with an inability to maintain altitude or airspeed, the pilot ditched the airplane in the Atlantic Ocean near Shady Side, New Jersey. The aircraft came to rest in approximately 200 feet of water and was not recovered.

Findings

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupants were provided. The official investigation source did not specify any probable cause for the engine failure or loss of control.

1994-06-30: Piper PA-30 (N7041Y) — Sandy Hook, NJ