What happened
Following a departure from Camp Fox on Santa Catalina Island, a seaplane was performing a low-altitude cruise when the left engine ceased functioning. In response to the power loss, the pilot attempted an emergency landing on the water. During this maneuver, the aircraft became unstable and impacted the surface of the ocean. The impact caused the left float to detach from the airframe, and the vessel ultimately came to rest in an inverted position.
Despite the severity of the impact, all 10 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. Following the accident, the aircraft sank into the ocean and has not been retrieved.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified a power loss in the left engine due to undetermined reasons as the primary issue. Several contributing factors were noted regarding the execution of the emergency landing, including:
- The pilot failed to follow established flight procedures and utilized improper emergency techniques.
- There was an incorrect trim setting and improper use of flight controls during the descent.
- The crew did not feather the left propeller following the engine failure.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude during the approach.
- The landing was performed into a cross swell, which contributed to the separation of the float.