What happened
During a local test flight conducted after maintenance work, an aircraft experienced a loss of power while approaching the Anchorage International Airport. The flight was being operated by a pilot accompanied by a technician.
As the engine ceased functioning, the pilot performed an emergency ditching in the waters of Cook Inlet, several miles away from the shoreline. Both occupants of the aircraft were successfully rescued shortly after the incident occurred. However, the aircraft subsequently sank into the inlet and was not recovered from the seabed.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was a powerplant failure.
- The specific reason for the engine malfunction remains undetermined.