Incident
A pilot flying solo from Hamburg to Westerland experienced a dual engine power loss while approaching Westerland-Sylt Airport. The pilot ditched the aircraft in the sea two kilometers offshore and was rescued after about 45 minutes. The aircraft sank.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Westerland-Sylt Airport, at an altitude of 1,300 feet, the pilot was cleared for an approach to runway 24. Seconds later, both engines lost power. The pilot declared an emergency and was cleared for a straight-in approach to runway 33. Due to the situation, the pilot instead attempted to ditch the aircraft two kilometers off the coast. Rescue teams arrived on site about 45 minutes later, and the pilot was rescued while the aircraft sank.
Investigation Findings
Post-recovery examination of the aircraft revealed that the pilot had added 250 liters of fuel at Hamburg Airport, and a total of approximately 400 liters were found in all tanks after the wreckage was recovered, ruling out fuel exhaustion. Traces of corrosion were found on several engine parts.