Incident Details
On November 29, 2009, at approximately 0750 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150J, registration N19318, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent ditching near Hillsboro Beach, Florida. The flight, operated as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, originated at Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP) at 0745. No flight plan was filed. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot, who held an airline transport rating, the engine began running rough while climbing through 1,500 feet mean sea level. No loud noise indicative of an internal failure was heard. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but the engine continued to lose power and eventually quit. The pilot then executed a ditching in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1.5 miles east of Hillsboro Beach.
Following the ditching, the pilot could not immediately open the cockpit door due to water pressure. He waited until the cabin was about three-quarters full of water before exiting. He was rescued by local fishermen. The pilot reported that the airplane remained afloat for approximately three to five minutes before sinking. As of the time of the report, the wreckage had not been recovered. Hillsboro County Police Department personnel reported that the wreckage was located in about 327 feet of water.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane was registered to Malin Aircraft Sales, Inc., of Pompano Beach, Florida. The pilot sustained minor injuries. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviewed the maintenance records and reported that the aircraft had a current annual inspection and all applicable airworthiness directives had been complied with. The FAA and the owner’s insurance company representative indicated that the wreckage would not be recovered from the ocean.
Weather Conditions
The 0753 weather observation at Pompano Beach Airpark, located approximately 4 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, reported surface winds from 340 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 3,500 feet, broken clouds at 6,000 feet, temperature 17 degrees Celsius, dew point 12 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury.