Incident Overview
During an oceanic ferry flight, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a mechanical issue that led to a ditching in the Pacific Ocean. The right engine developed magneto problems, which resulted in only residual power being available from that engine. The pilot-in-command (PIC) responded by increasing power on the remaining left engine, but it soon overheated. Faced with diminishing thrust, the PIC elected to ditch the airplane into the Pacific Ocean. Both crewmembers were successfully rescued following the ditching.
Engine Failure Sequence
The right engine's magnetos failed for undetermined reasons, reducing that engine's power output to residual levels. The PIC attempted to compensate by applying additional power to the left engine. However, the increased demand caused the left engine to overheat, leaving the aircraft without sufficient power to maintain flight. The exact duration of the overheating event prior to ditching is not specified in the source.
Ditching and Rescue
With both engines compromised, the PIC made the decision to ditch the aircraft in the ocean. The ditching was executed successfully, and both crewmembers were rescued. No information is provided regarding the condition of the aircraft or any injuries sustained by the crew.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the incident, as determined by the investigation, was the failure of the right engine's magnetos for undetermined reasons and the resulting overtemperature of the remaining left engine.