What happened
During the arrival phase while operating in the traffic pattern at their destination, an all-cargo aircraft suffered a mechanical failure involving the left engine. Following the loss of power, the crew extended the landing gear but did not perform critical aerodynamic adjustments, specifically failing to feather the left propeller or adjust the aircraft's trim.
The resulting imbalance caused significant drag and a skid that prevented the aircraft from maintaining controlled flight. To avoid a more catastrophic impact, the crew chose to ditch the plane in a lagoon located approximately 2 miles southwest of the airfield. Because the aircraft was not retrieved from the water, investigators were unable to determine the specific reason for the initial engine failure.
Despite the impact with the water, both pilots managed to exit the wreckage and survived the incident with minor injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted that the crew's inability to maintain flight was due to failing to feather the propeller and properly trim the aircraft after the engine failure occurred.