Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the oil lubrication system for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that the engine began to lose power while over the ocean about 35 miles east of the destination of west palm beach, florida. He initiated a glide and prepared for ditching. Just before impact he noted oil on the windshield and cowling. After ditching he exited the airplane, inflated his lifevest, and was rescued shortly thereafter.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 26, 1995, about 1933 eastern daylight time, N50860, a Cessna 172, ditched about 35 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida, in the Atlantic Ocean while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan had been filed. The airline transport-rated pilot reported no injuries. The airplane sank and has not been recovered and is presumed to be destroyed. The flight originated from Freeport, Bahamas, about 1 hour earlier. The pilot stated that the engine began to run rough and a partial power loss was experienced. As the pilot was attempting to ditch the airplane he noted oil on the windshield and cowling. He radioed his position and ditched the airplane. He exited the airplane and inflated a survival vest. A commuter airplane observed the ditching and circled overhead until a rescue was completed by the U.S. Coast Guard. -