Flight and Incident
A VFR flight departed Juneau, Alaska, en route to King Salmon, Alaska. Approximately 50 miles southwest of the Yakutat VOR, the pilot requested an IFR clearance. Air Traffic Control cleared the flight direct to the Middleton Island VOR, then direct to the King Salmon VOR.
Engine Failure
When the flight was 20 miles northwest of Middleton Island, the pilot contacted the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and reported that the right engine had come apart. The pilot attempted to continue to Middleton Island and land there.
Descent and Loss of Contact
During the flight after the engine separation, the airplane consistently lost altitude. It passed by the island and was southeast of Middleton Island when radar contact was lost. The airplane was not recovered.
Search and Debris
Flight crew of rescue aircraft reported observing bubbles, an oil slick, and airplane debris in the ocean approximately 3 miles south of the Middleton Island Airport.
Weather Conditions
At 1126 ADT, the weather at Middleton Island Airport was reported as: 600 feet broken ceiling, visibility 5 miles, wind from 117° at 17 knots gusting to 25 knots.