Introduction
A single-engine airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power during a flight, forcing the pilot to ditch in open water. The aircraft was not recovered, and the cause of the engine failure has not been determined.
Incident Sequence
The flight was cruising at 4,500 feet approximately 20 minutes after departure when the pilot observed the engine oil temperature rapidly increase to the red line. About 14 minutes later, the oil pressure dropped, the engine began running rough, and the pilot could no longer maintain altitude. He transmitted his position on frequency 121.5, stating he was 60 nautical miles on the 120-degree radial from the Nassau VOR. The pilot decided to ditch the aircraft near a boat. As the airplane descended through approximately 50 feet above the water, the propeller stopped. The pilot glided as close to the boat as possible before the aircraft impacted the water.
Aftermath
The airplane sank and was not recovered from the ocean. The pilot was picked up from the water by the occupants of the boat. No determination of the engine failure cause has been made.