What happened
While cruising at 14,000 feet MSL, the aircraft experienced a sudden reduction in manifold pressure, which fell from 30 to 18 inches. Approximately eleven minutes after this initial drop, the oil warning light activated. The aircraft proceeded at a reduced airspeed of 90 knots, maintaining a descent rate between 100 and 300 feet per minute.
As the altitude decreased to 9,500 feet MSL, the engine oil pressure reached zero. In response to the total loss of oil pressure, the pilot shut down the engine and performed a forced landing on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico near a nearby vessel. Following the impact, the aircraft remained buoyant for approximately five to seven minutes. During this period, the crew opened the emergency exit, donned life vests, and evacuated into a life raft deployed by the pilot. All occupants were successfully rescued by personnel from the nearby ship.
Findings
Because the aircraft was not recovered following the incident, investigators were unable to determine the specific reason for the loss of engine power.