No fatalities

Pilot Ditches Tow Plane into Gulf of Mexico After Engine Failure (N88432)

Destin, FL, US

On August 28, 2005, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N88432) operated by Boomer Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Destin, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A tow plane experienced engine failure while flying along the Gulf of Mexico near Miramar Beach, forcing the pilot to ditch the aircraft in the water before swimming to safety.

What happened

The flight departed Navarre Airport towing a banner eastbound along the Gulf of Mexico near Miramar Beach. The pilot was one hour and forty-five minutes into the flight when the engine lost power. Emergency procedures were executed, however attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The banner in tow was released and the pilot ditched the airplane into the Gulf of Mexico. The pilot swam to shore and the airplane was not recovered for examination.

The investigation

The airplane was not recovered for examination.

Findings

Engine failure prevented the pilot from continuing the flight or restarting the powerplant, necessitating a water landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 2005 Bellanca 8GCBC accident near Destin, FL?

A tow plane experienced engine failure while flying along the Gulf of Mexico near Miramar Beach, forcing the pilot to ditch the aircraft in the water before swimming to safety.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 2005 Bellanca 8GCBC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 2005 involved a Bellanca 8GCBC, registration N88432, operated by Boomer Aviation Inc, at Destin, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050913X01440. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.