On August 24, 2002, a Piper PA-14 (registration N5170H) was involved in an aviation accident near Eastsound, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a sudden engine power loss after 15 minutes of flight to warm oil for an oil change, executed a forced landing to water, and escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Incident Summary
A pilot reported that while returning to the airport after approximately 15 minutes of flight intended to warm the oil for an oil change, the engine suddenly lost power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot initiated a forced landing to the water near the shoreline. Following the ditching, the pilot escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft sank in about 60 feet of water and has not been recovered.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the aircraft was full of fuel prior to the flight. During the preflight inspection, no water was noted in the gascolator. The sudden loss of power occurred without prior indication, and restart attempts were unsuccessful.
Aftermath
The aircraft remains submerged and unrecovered. No further details are available regarding the cause of the power loss or the specific type of aircraft involved.