Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he was climbing through 1,700 feet msl when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. He notified the tower of the emergency, attempted to restart the engine with negative results, and made a forced landing into the Caribbean Sea. The airplane was not recovered.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 20, 1995, about 1320 Atlantic standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N598PR, registered to Pablo Speroni, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a total loss of engine power, and ditched into the Caribbean Sea about 3 miles west of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane will not be recovered and is presumed to have been destroyed. The airline transport rated pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, about 5 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was climbing through 1,700 feet msl when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. He notified the tower of the emergency, attempted to restart the engine with negative results, and made a forced landing into the Caribbean Sea. He further stated the airplane was not insured, and no attempt to locate and recover the airplane will be made. -