What happened
During the cruise phase of flight at an altitude of 6,500 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden mechanical disturbance characterized by a jolt and an audible whining sound from the engine. Following this event, the propeller ceased rotation and transitioned into a feathered position. The crew attempted various procedures to regain engine power, but these efforts failed to restore functionality to the powerplant.
Due to the loss of engine performance, an emergency was declared. The pilot proceeded to ditch the aircraft into the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 20 miles east of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following the incident, the wreckage was not retrieved for a detailed post-crash investigation.
Findings
- The engine experienced a sudden malfunction accompanied by unusual noise.
- The propeller feathered following the engine's loss of power.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain flight via engine power, necessitating a water landing.