What happened
While performing a flight from Oakland toward Honolulu, an aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. In response to the dual engine failure, the pilot initiated a descent to lower the altitude. The crew subsequently performed a ditching maneuver in the waters off Pacific Grove. While the aircraft sank and was ultimately lost, the pilot was successfully rescued from the scene.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that both engines ceased functioning during the cruise phase of the flight. The primary factor contributing to this event was fuel starvation, though the specific reason for the lack of fuel delivery remained undetermined. Several additional elements were noted as contributing factors, including:
- The presence of a ferry fuel system installed on the aircraft
- High rates of fuel consumption
- The necessity of an emergency water landing due to the loss of propulsion