What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the pilot observed a drop in oil pressure accompanied by a partial reduction in power from the right engine. This was followed by a complete loss of power in the right engine. The pilot attempted to feather the propeller on the affected engine but was unsuccessful in doing so.
Due to the loss of power, the aircraft was unable to sustain its flight altitude. Consequently, the pilot performed a ditching maneuver approximately 75 miles southeast of St. Croix. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft and deployed an inflatable raft. Rescue teams located the pilot approximately four hours after the incident. The aircraft itself was not retrieved from the water.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the ditching was the loss of power in the right engine caused by declining oil pressure.
- The inability to feather the propeller contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude.