Flight Details
The aircraft was on a trans-Pacific ferry flight. A special flight permit authorized an increase in gross weight, and ferry fuel tanks along with long-range communication and navigation radios were installed. The pilot reported that the right engine failed when the aircraft was 85 miles from the departure airport. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Ditching
With power from the remaining engine insufficient to maintain level flight due to the overweight condition, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift down. Eventually, it was necessary to ditch in the ocean 28 miles offshore.
Previous Issues
The pilot had departed and returned to Hawaii twice before the accident flight. The first return was due to an oil leak on the left engine, and the second was because of a loose window. A mechanic who repaired the window reported that the left engine still appeared to be leaking oil. Both pilots told an FAA inspector that the oil leak had been repaired.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the loss of engine power in one engine for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the aircraft's diminished single engine performance during the early portion of the overweight ferry flight.