Engine failure and ditching during ferry flight to Hawaii

No fatalities • Pacific Ocean, World • Flight

A crew of two was forced to ditch an aircraft in the ocean after both engines failed during a night ferry flight from California.

What happened

During a night-time ferry operation traveling from California toward Hawaii, the crew experienced a period of spatial disorientation. While maintaining cruise altitude, the pilot became unable to definitively confirm the aircraft's exact position.

Shortly thereafter, both engines ceased operation at the same time. In response to the loss of power, the pilot initiated a descent to lower altitude and performed a ditching maneuver in the ocean. Following the impact, the two occupants were successfully evacuated from the aircraft. Personnel from the USCG arrived on the scene and rescued both members of the crew.

The aircraft, which was undergoing a repositioning flight, subsequently sank and is considered lost.

Findings

Investigations into the incident could not establish a definitive cause due to a lack of available evidence. However, it was confirmed that the simultaneous failure of both engines was the result of fuel exhaustion.

Probable cause

The dual engine failure was caused by the depletion of fuel during the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1967-03-05 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Pacific Ocean, World?

A crew of two was forced to ditch an aircraft in the ocean after both engines failed during a night ferry flight from California.

Were there any fatalities in the 1967-03-05 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1967-03-05 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N74034, operated by Skyway Air Cargo, at Pacific Ocean, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The dual engine failure was caused by the depletion of fuel during the flight.

Loading the flight search…