Incident Details
While flying from Winter Haven, Florida, to Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report that the left engine was on fire. The pilot reduced altitude and performed a ditching maneuver several miles off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. The aircraft sank and was lost. The sole occupant, the pilot, was rescued. The wreckage was not recovered.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine failure or malfunction during normal cruise for undetermined reasons. Additional findings reported include: a fire in the engine, the aircraft was ditched due to the left engine fire following the failure of the left engine, and the wreckage was not found. The lack of recovered wreckage limited further analysis.