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Floatplane Ditches in Heavy Seas, Occupants Rescued After 3 Hours (N9702Z)

Gulf OF Mexico, US

On May 5, 1996, a Cessna U206G (registration N9702Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Gulf OF Mexico. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. 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 floatplane experienced an in-flight engine failure and ditched in heavy seas, damaging one float. All occupants evacuated and were rescued by Coast Guard, Navy, and civilian aircraft.

Accident Sequence

During cruise flight after takeoff, while flying at 500 feet above the water, the pilot observed the oil temperature approaching the high end. The cowl flaps were verified to be open. The flight continued, and the engine ran rough momentarily before quitting. The pilot executed a forced landing into a heavy sea state. The landing damaged one of the floats, causing it to fill with water. The pilot noted that there was no oil on the windscreen following the engine failure.

Rescue Operations

All occupants donned personal flotation devices and exited the airplane. A search was conducted by the Coast Guard, Navy, and civilian airplanes. The occupants were rescued 3 hours and 20 minutes after the forced landing. The airplane was not recovered.

Engine History

The engine had been rebuilt by the engine manufacturer on June 14, 1994. At the time of the failure, the engine had accumulated approximately 1,033 hours since the rebuild.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1996 Cessna U206G accident near Gulf OF Mexico?

A floatplane experienced an in-flight engine failure and ditched in heavy seas, damaging one float. All occupants evacuated and were rescued by Coast Guard, Navy, and civilian aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1996 Cessna U206G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1996 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N9702Z, at Gulf OF Mexico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05831. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.