Aircraft ditching in Pacific Ocean during ferry flight

1 fatality • Pacific Ocean, World • Flight

A pilot died after ditching an aircraft in the Pacific Ocean during a multi-leg ferry flight following a reported fuel system failure.

What happened

A ferry flight traveling from Hamilton, New Zealand, to Davis, California, ended in a fatal accident in the Pacific Ocean. The flight path included scheduled stops in Pago Pago, American Samoa; Christmas Island, Kiribati; and Hilo, Hawaii.

During the final segment of the journey, the pilot transmitted a position report indicating the aircraft was 858 nm from San Francisco. Shortly after this report, the pilot notified authorities of a malfunction within the fuel system and indicated that a ditching of the aircraft was likely.

At 1701 UTC, while being monitored by a US Coast Guard HC-130 crew, the aircraft was ditched approximately 341 nm from San Francisco. Upon impact with the water, the aircraft type nose-dived and settled onto its back. Although rescue swimmers reached the site, the pilot was found deceased inside the cockpit. The pilot's remains could not be retrieved and were lost along with the wreckage.

Findings

  • The pilot reported a fuel system problem prior to the ditching.
  • The aircraft's impact with the ocean surface caused it to capsize onto its back.

Probable cause

A malfunction in the aircraft's fuel system necessitated an emergency ditching in the ocean.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-12-26 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident near Pacific Ocean, World?

A pilot died after ditching an aircraft in the Pacific Ocean during a multi-leg ferry flight following a reported fuel system failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-12-26 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-12-26 involved a PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation, registration ZK-UAC, operated by Utility Aircraft Corporation, at Pacific Ocean, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A malfunction in the aircraft's fuel system necessitated an emergency ditching in the ocean.

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