On August 28, 2005, a Bellanca 8GCBC (registration N88432) operated by Boomer Aviation Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Destin, FL. 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.
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.