Engine failure and ditching of aircraft near destination airport

No fatalities • Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands • Flight

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss during its approach to its destination, resulting in a ditching in the ocean and the subsequent sinking of the plane.

What happened

During the approach phase of the flight, the pilot attempted to initiate a fuel transfer from the engine nacelle locker tank. Although the aircraft was configured with multiple fuel sources, including two wingtip tanks, two in-wing auxiliary tanks, and one locker tank, the pilot observed that fuel was failing to move from the locker tank to the engines. Shortly after this discovery, the right engine suffered a complete loss of power, which was followed by a total loss of power in the left engine.

Due to the loss of propulsion, the pilot performed a ditching in the ocean approximately 17 miles from the intended destination airport. Upon contacting the water, the occupants successfully deployed life vests and exited the aircraft before it submerged. All individuals on board survived the impact and were successfully rescued approximately four hours after the incident. The aircraft was not retrieved from the sea and is presumed to have sustained substantial damage.

Findings

An investigation into the fuel system could not be completed because the aircraft was not recovered from the ocean floor. Consequently, the specific reason why the fuel failed to transfer from the engine nacelle locker tank remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The cause of the engine power loss remains undetermined due to the inability to inspect the fuel system following the loss of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-01-03 Cessna 340 accident near Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands?

An aircraft experienced total engine power loss during its approach to its destination, resulting in a ditching in the ocean and the subsequent sinking of the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 2023-01-03 Cessna 340 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-01-03 involved a Cessna 340, registration N824BC, operated by Aonvo Investment, at Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the engine power loss remains undetermined due to the inability to inspect the fuel system following the loss of the aircraft.

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