What happened
On July 31, 2025, a Piper PA-32-260, registration N68BT, departed from Leonard Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, bound for Stuart, Florida. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Approximately ten minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. After performing the manufacturer-recommended emergency checks and finding no success in restoring power, the pilot executed a ditching in a marshland area located roughly 19 nautical miles from the departure airport. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and fuel configuration following the accident. Physical inspection of the wreckage revealed damage to the propeller blades, the engine support frame, and the underside of the fuselage. Investigators analyzed the fuel levels within the four tanks. Post-accident findings showed that the left outboard tank and right inboard tank were both full, while the right outboard tank and left inboard tank were empty. The fuel selector valve was found in the position for the right inboard tank. A review of the aircraft's maintenance logs indicated that the owner had complied with all required United States regulatory and manufacturer maintenance procedures, and no mechanical failures in the fuel system were identified.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of power during the cruise phase of flight.
- Fuel mismanagement is a primary factor, as usable fuel remained in two of the four tanks at the time of the accident.
- The pilot utilized a specific fuel-switching routine when departing Abaco, which involved starting with the right inboard tank and transitioning to the left outboard tank.
- While the fuel selector was found in the right inboard position, the investigation could not verify exactly when the last selection was made.