Incident Overview
On February 2, 2016, at 1134 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8466G, made a forced landing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Miami, Florida, following a partial loss of engine power. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The aircraft, owned by a private company and operated by Airborne Career Academy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) earlier that day, had departed Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH) at about 1100, and was destined for FXE.
Sequence of Events
During the preflight engine run-up before departing FXE, the pilot noted that the right magneto exhibited a higher-than-normal drop in rpm. After leaning the mixture and running the engine for about one minute, the magneto check showed normal drop, and the pilot proceeded to MTH without issue. On the return flight to FXE, air traffic control instructed the pilot to descend 500 feet. The pilot reduced power and turned on the carburetor heat. When leveling at the assigned altitude, the pilot attempted to increase engine rpm but received no response, even at full throttle. He switched fuel tanks and manipulated the throttle several times without success. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in the ocean approximately 100 feet offshore in about 15 feet of saltwater.
Aircraft Examination
The airplane was recovered by tow to a boat ramp. Examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The ignition key was found in the "both" position, the fuel selector set to the "right" tank, the throttle and mixture controls full forward, and the carburetor-heat control in the full "on" position. Both wing fuel tanks were contaminated with saltwater, and the total fuel quantity could not be determined. The pilot reported that about 17 gallons of fuel were in each tank at departure from MTH.
The engine remained attached, and the two-bladed propeller appeared undamaged. The engine rotated freely, and compression and valve train continuity were confirmed in all cylinders. Engine timing was established on the left magneto but not on the right due to damage. Both magnetos were removed and disassembled; they contained sand and signs of saltwater corrosion. After cleaning the right magneto's points, they operated normally. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were identified that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF), about 20 miles west of the accident site, at 1125 included wind from 120 degrees at 15 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 2,100 feet, overcast at 3,100 feet, temperature 81°F, dewpoint 66°F, and barometric pressure 30.11 inches Hg. A published Carburetor Icing Chart indicated potential for serious icing at glide engine power settings under those temperature and dewpoint conditions.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on July 31, 2015, with no limitations. He reported a total of 86 flight hours, all in the same make and model as the accident airplane.