On May 3, 1997, a Piper PA31-350 (registration N4088G) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Thomas. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to follow emergency procedures for loss of power in the right engine, by failing to shutdown the right engine and feather the right propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the right engine surged, emitted black smoke, and lost power. The pilot did not shut down or feather the propeller. During a return turn, the aircraft nearly stalled and descended into the sea, where it was ditched.
Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the right engine began to surge, emit black smoke, and lose power. The pilot did not shut down the engine or feather the propeller in response to the anomaly.
Maneuvering and Descent
While turning to return to the airport, the aircraft nearly stalled. The pilot lowered the nose and initiated a descent toward the sea. He was unable to maintain altitude, and the aircraft was subsequently ditched in the sea.
Postcrash Examination
A postcrash examination of the right engine revealed no evidence to indicate the reason for the loss of power and emission of black smoke.