No fatalities

1995-08-16: Beechcraft 65 Queen Air (N5078C) — Caribbean Food & Produce — Caribbean Sea, World

Caribbean Sea, WorldFlight

On August 16, 1995, a Beechcraft 65 Queen Air (registration N5078C) operated by Caribbean Food & Produce was involved in an aviation accident near Caribbean Sea, World in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the inability of the pilot to feather the propeller. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207787Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported oil pressure loss and partial power loss on the right engine during cruise, followed by complete power loss. Unable to feather the propeller, the airplane ditched about 75 miles southeast of St. Croix. The pilot was rescued after 4 hours; the airplane was not recovered.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a loss of oil pressure and a partial loss of power from the right engine during cruise flight. Subsequently, the engine lost all power. The pilot was unable to feather the right propeller. As the airplane could not maintain altitude, the pilot performed a ditching approximately 75 miles southeast of St. Croix.

Pilot Actions and Rescue

After exiting the airplane, the pilot inflated a life raft. About four hours later, rescue personnel located the pilot. The airplane was not recovered.

Engine and Propeller Issues

The right engine lost power following the reported oil pressure and partial power loss. The pilot attempted but could not feather the propeller. The inability to feather contributed to the accident scenario.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the pilot's inability to feather the propeller.