Accident Sequence
The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was ferrying the aircraft from Majuro, Marshall Islands, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Approximately two hours into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 7,000 feet, the pilot reported engine problems to air traffic control and decided to return to Majuro. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the pilot was forced to ditch the aircraft about 320 kilometers northeast of Majuro Atoll.
Rescue
A pilot flying in a second aircraft provided the exact position of the ditched aircraft. The pilot was rescued 20 hours later. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the left engine failed in flight for unknown reasons, and the pilot was forced to feather its propeller. Due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.