Accident Overview
On August 13, 2023, at approximately 1210 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Just Aircraft Highlander, registration N169SM, was substantially damaged when it ditched in Albermarle Sound near Edenton, North Carolina. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The pilot reported that the airplane had 4 gallons of fuel onboard when it departed from First Flight Airport (FFA), Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, at 1130. The intended destination was Dare County Regional Airport (MQI), Manteo, North Carolina, to purchase fuel. While en route, the pilot attempted to contact the tower at MQI but could not hear the controller clearly, and a notice to airmen indicated the tower would not be open until 1230. Consequently, the pilot diverted to Northeast Regional Airport (EDE), Edenton, North Carolina, for fuel.
Engine Power Loss and Ditching
While en route to EDE at an altitude of 1,200 ft mean sea level over Albermarle Sound, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a ditching in the sound. The wreckage was recovered three days later.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the shore. The right elevator had separated and was not recovered. Both wing fuel tanks were full of water; the tanks appeared intact, but water could have entered through the fuel tank vents. The carburetor and fuel bowls contained approximately a 50/50 mixture of fuel and water. The inspector rotated the propeller and confirmed continuity to the rear accessory section of the engine, though a hydraulic lock was present due to water in the cylinders. The air filter was free of obstructions.
Further examination at a recovery facility included removal of the top spark plugs, which had intact electrodes light gray in color. The propeller was rotated 360° by hand, confirming crankshaft, camshaft, and valvetrain continuity to the rear accessory section. Thumb compression was verified on all four cylinders. The oil filter was opened and its screen was absent of metallic contamination.
Fuel Consumption Data
Review of fuel consumption data from the engine operator's manual indicated that the engine consumes 7.1 gallons per hour at takeoff performance, 6.6 gallons per hour at maximum continuous performance, and 4.9 gallons per hour at 75% continuous performance.