Ditching of a Sightseeing Aircraft in Inlet Water (N15199)

Flight and Ditching Circumstances The aircraft was operating an air taxi or sightseeing flight that served as an optional tour for a cruise liner trip. After viewing glaciers, the flight was returning to land. The approach to the airport was along an inlet shore characterized by steep mountains descending to the water and infrequent small beaches. Approximately 1,200 feet above the water and 1.5 miles from the airport, the engine lost power. The aircraft was ditched about 100 feet from shore near small cliffs. ## Occupant Survival and Rescue Passengers initially exited into 39-degree water, but none exited wearing life vests. The pilot threw one life vest out and exited as the aircraft sank. With help from her husband, one passenger donned the life vest that had been thrown out and partially inflated it using the oral inflation tube, although the vest had a CO2 cylinder for rapid inflation. A rescue helicopter arrived in about 10 minutes. The passenger with the life vest and the pilot were rescued. Two passengers drowned, and two other passengers were not found. ## Life Vest and Engine Findings Surviving passengers did not recall a briefing about the location or use of life vests. Life vests were stored in seat-back pouches, but the pouch openings were covered by slip-cover type seat covers. Examination of the engine revealed that the left magneto impulse coupling had failed, stopping rotation of the magneto drive gear. Several gear teeth on the intermediate idler gear were damaged, disconnecting the crankshaft from the accessory gear train.