On December 16, 1977, a Cessna 401 (registration N80BW) operated by E. L. Jarman was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors: lack of familiarity with aircraft, mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, aircraft came to rest in water, forced landing off airport on water. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced engine failure in cruise off Florida's east coast. The pilot ditched near West Palm Beach and sustained serious injuries; the aircraft was lost.
Incident Overview
While cruising along the east coast of Florida, one of the aircraft's engines failed. The pilot responded by reducing altitude and performing a ditching maneuver off the coast of West Palm Beach. The pilot was seriously injured, and the aircraft was lost.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors included the pilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft, mismanagement of fuel, and fuel exhaustion. Additionally, the aircraft came to rest in water, and a forced landing was conducted off airport on water.
What happened in the 16 Dec 1977 Cessna 401 accident near West Palm Beach, United States of America?
An aircraft experienced engine failure in cruise off Florida's east coast. The pilot ditched near West Palm Beach and sustained serious injuries; the aircraft was lost.
Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1977 Cessna 401 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Dec 1977 involved a Cessna 401, registration N80BW, operated by E. L. Jarman, at West Palm Beach, United States of America.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure in normal cruise due to inadequate preflight preparation. Contributing factors: lack of familiarity with aircraft, mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, aircraft came to rest in water, forced landing off airport on water.
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