Accident Details
On October 27, 2010, at 1740 Atlantic standard time, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N350RL) experienced a high temperature in the right engine and a partial loss of engine rpm while on an instrument flight plan in visual meteorological conditions at 9,000 feet mean sea level. The flight, operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, had departed Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at 1704 en route to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The pilot requested and received clearance from San Juan Center to divert to Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, but subsequently elected to ditch the aircraft about 2.6 nautical miles east of the airport. The pilot was not injured.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, after the loss of engine power and descending to 2,500 feet msl, he was handed off to Borinquen Tower about 3 to 4 miles from the airport. Both engines were operating, but the loss of rpm on the right engine made it difficult to maintain altitude. He shut down the right engine and continued flying at 108 knots. The pilot did not declare an emergency, but informed the tower that he was going into the water. He cited poor single-engine performance and windy conditions as the reason for ditching rather than continuing to the airport.
In a subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that after notifying air traffic control about the engine overheat, he reduced power in both engines, turned on the fuel boost, and opened the cowl flaps. The right engine continued to run with low rpm, and he did not observe a red fuel warning light. The pilot elected to ditch instead of landing as soon as practical at the nearest suitable airport, as outlined in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Communication and Rescue
Review of transcripts between the pilot and the control tower revealed that the pilot was instructed to enter a modified left base at 1731 for runway 8, with winds reported at 060 degrees at 6 knots. At that time, the pilot informed the controller of an overheat condition but stated he would continue to the airport. At 1736, the pilot reported that the right engine had quit and that he was unable to continue to the airport and would be going into the water. A Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene at 1742 and picked up the pilot at 1753.
Aircraft Information
The insurance company for the registered owner informed the general adjuster that they would not attempt to recover the aircraft wreckage. The Piper PA-31-350 Pilot's Operating Handbook includes procedures for engine roughness and engine overheat. For engine roughness, the handbook advises turning on emergency fuel pumps, scanning instruments, adjusting mixture, opening alternate air control, and adjusting cowl flaps. A warning notes that if a fuel flow warning light illuminates with fuel remaining in the corresponding inboard tank, it indicates a malfunction of the flapper door, requiring immediate selection of the outboard tank or cross feed. For engine overheat, the handbook recommends opening cowl flaps, enriching the mixture, reducing power, and increasing airspeed through a shallow dive if rapid temperature reduction is needed.