Incident Overview
An aircraft on a flight from Columbus to Huntington experienced an engine failure. The pilot notified air traffic control and attempted to divert to the nearest suitable airport. Control was lost, and the aircraft crashed into the Ohio River off South Portsmouth, Kentucky. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was not recovered.
Events
En route to Huntington, the pilot informed ATC of an engine failure and initiated a diversion. Subsequently, control was lost, and the aircraft struck the water. After the crash, the pilot was observed exiting the aircraft and swimming toward the shore. He disappeared, and his body was never recovered.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be a powerplant failure for an undetermined reason. Additionally, the pilot exited the aircraft and swam toward shore, then disappeared and was not found.