Incident Overview
On February 2, 2000, at approximately 1407 eastern standard time, a Beech D18S, registration N122V, operated by Florida Air Cargo, Inc., was ditched in the Atlantic Ocean about 47 miles east of Bimini, Bahamas. The aircraft was substantially damaged; the commercial-rated pilot was not injured, and one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed for the non-scheduled international cargo flight under 14 CFR Part 135.
Flight Details
The flight departed Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida, around 1305. According to the pilot, all five fuel tanks were full at departure. The left fuel selector was initially positioned to the "main tank." Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, the pilot switched the left fuel selector to the auxiliary position and remained on that tank for about 35 minutes. When the flight was roughly 20 miles east of Bimini, he returned the left fuel selector to the main tank position, where it stayed for 5 minutes before he added climb power.
Engine Failure and Ditching
While about 45 miles east of Bimini, climbing through 2,300 feet with a good rate of climb, the left manifold pressure dropped to 27 inches and propeller rpm to 1,300. The pilot turned toward Bimini, broadcast a mayday call, and reported no unusual vibration. Fuel pressure and oil pressure gauges indicated normal. He repositioned the fuel selector, but the left engine would not restart. He then feathered the left propeller and secured the engine but could not maintain altitude with full power on the right engine.
The aircraft was ditched in a slight left-wing-low attitude. During the ditching, the left engine separated from the airframe. Both occupants exited the airplane and remained in the water for 47 minutes before being spotted by a U.S. Coast Guard Falcon airplane. They were rescued by a pleasure boat and transported to the east coast of Florida.