Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on a pleasure flight when he encountered a loss of engine power. He reported hearing two loud noises from the engine. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and he elected to ditch the aircraft into a lake. The aircraft sank in 30 feet of water and has not been recovered.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 12, 1994, at 1001 hours Pacific daylight time, a Twibell Tiny Two, N52535, collided with water near Hesperia, California, during a forced landing. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from Apple Valley, California, about 0930 hours on the day of the accident as a local pleasure flight. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was sightseeing over Silverwood Lake at 4,500 feet when the engine made two noises and quit. The pilot elected to land in the lake rather than in a congested parking lot. The aircraft sank in about 30 feet of water and has not been recovered. -