Accident
On July 14, 2016, at about 1515 Hawaii standard time, a Piper PA-23-150, registration N3180P, ditched in the Pacific Ocean near Kona, Hawaii. The aircraft was operated by the pilot and owned by Time Machine LLC. The accident occurred after a loss of power in both engines. The airplane sank and was not recovered.
Flight Information
The cross-country personal flight departed John Rodgers Airport (JRF), Kapolei, Hawaii, at about 1345, en route to Kona International Airport (KOA), Kona, Hawaii. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and no flight plan had been filed.
Sequence of Events
On departure, both fuel gauges indicated 3/4 full. While in cruise flight at 5,500 feet, both engines began to run rough. The pilots descended to 3,500 feet, after which the engines seemed to smooth out. Shortly thereafter, the right engine surged and then lost all power, followed by a surge in the left engine and a total loss of power. The pilots turned on both auxiliary fuel pumps and followed the emergency checklist, but power could not be restored. At the time of power loss, fuel gauges indicated 1/2 tank. The pilots opened the entry door before water contact and successfully evacuated after touchdown. Both pilots sustained minor injuries.
Maintenance History
Review of maintenance records showed that the last airframe annual inspection was conducted on October 10, 2015. On April 20, 2016, engine oil servicing, spark plug reconditioning, leak check, and magneto checks were performed on both engines, with no anomalies noted by maintenance personnel.