Engine failure and ditching of aircraft over ocean

No fatalities • Gulf of Mexico, World • Flight

An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power during a cross-country flight over water, resulting in a ditching far from land.

What happened

During a long-distance flight over the ocean, approximately two hours after departure, the pilot of the aircraft noticed an audible change in the engine's operation. This was accompanied by unstable torque readings on the cockpit instruments. Shortly after these indications appeared, the engine suffered a total failure, leaving the aircraft without propulsion.

Following the loss of power, the pilot declared an emergency and attempted several procedures to identify the malfunction and successfully restart the engine. These efforts were unsuccessful. The aircraft eventually ditched in the ocean at a location approximately 175 miles away from the nearest coastline, in waters with a depth exceeding 5,000 feet. The wreckage of the aircraft was not retrieved following the incident.

Findings

  • The engine experienced a sudden loss of power following abnormal noise and torque fluctuations.
  • The cause of the engine failure remains undetermined as the aircraft was not recovered.

Probable cause

The specific reason for the engine's loss of power could not be established because the aircraft was not recovered from the deep-sea location.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-12-04 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Gulf of Mexico, World?

An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power during a cross-country flight over water, resulting in a ditching far from land.

Were there any fatalities in the 2010-12-04 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-12-04 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration N350MM, operated by Side Stick, at Gulf of Mexico, World.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific reason for the engine's loss of power could not be established because the aircraft was not recovered from the deep-sea location.

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