Incident Overview
A pilot reported that weather conditions were generally good for most of the flight, but he encountered isolated showers requiring a descent from 5,000 to 2,500 feet to maintain visual flight rules (VFR). He also deviated approximately 5 nautical miles from his planned route due to weather and experienced a north wind of 45 mph for about 20 nautical miles.
Engine Power Loss and Communication
Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes into the flight, with about 120 nautical miles remaining to the destination, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot was unable to contact air traffic control (ATC) directly via radio. Instead, he relayed information through another aircraft that he was experiencing engine problems. ATC radar subsequently identified the pilot's position as 100 nautical miles from Key West, Florida.
Ditching and Rescue
While descending to ditch in the water, the engine restarted. The pilot was able to climb to 4,500 feet but could not maintain altitude. He continued flying for about another 40 nautical miles until he observed a military airplane circling and a freighter on the surface. He ditched the airplane in the water. The freighter passed by without stopping, while the military airplane continued circling overhead.
After the ditching, the pilot entered a life raft, and the airplane sank. Approximately 20 minutes later, he was rescued by a United States Coast Guard aircraft about 60 nautical miles from Key West. The airplane was never recovered.
Weather Conditions
Around the time of the incident, winds at Key West were reported from 080 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots.