Incident Overview
While en route at 14,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the airplane's manifold pressure decreased from 30 to 18 inches. Eleven minutes later, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The airplane continued under partial power at an airspeed of 90 knots, descending at a rate between 100 and 300 feet per minute. By the time the airplane reached 9,500 feet msl, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. The pilot then shut down the engine and performed a forced landing in the Gulf of Mexico near a ship.
Emergency Evacuation and Rescue
After landing on the water, the airplane remained afloat for 5 to 7 minutes. During this period, the emergency exit was opened, all occupants donned life vests, exited the aircraft, and boarded a life raft that the pilot had deployed. All were subsequently rescued by personnel from the nearby ship.
Aftermath
The airplane was not recovered from the water. As a result, the cause of the power loss could not be determined.