Event Description
Shortly after departure, the engines experienced a partial loss of power. Witnesses observed black smoke trailing from the airplane. Unable to maintain climb, the pilot executed a ditching in water approximately 20 feet deep, about 1.25 miles from the airport.
Previous Occurrences
During the month before the accident, black smoke had been seen trailing from the aircraft on two separate occasions. However, no corresponding maintenance entries were recorded in the aircraft logbooks.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft was recovered and the engines were examined in a test cell. Although full power could be achieved, fuel flow rates to both engines exceeded design specifications, resulting in overly rich fuel-air mixtures and black smoke. Additionally, the right engine's left magneto was found to be arcing internally, and five of the twelve spark plugs were worn beyond service limits.
Weight and Balance
At the time of the accident, the maximum certificated gross weight was exceeded by at least 160 pounds, and the center of gravity was 1.09 inches aft of the rear limit. The density altitude was computed at 4,300 feet.
Pilot Actions and Operational Issues
The pilot reported that he did not obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight and did not perform weight and balance calculations. Passengers had not been instructed to secure their shoulder harnesses before takeoff, and the aft baggage was unsecured because tie-down straps had been previously removed. The pilot failed to provide evidence of recent flight currency to the Safety Board and did not submit the required accident report form.
Operator and Regulatory Context
The flight was a charter arranged through a yellow page advertisement by the operator, who did not hold a 14 CFR Part 135 certificate. The FAA's surveillance of the fixed-base operator was described as nil.