Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, while over water, which resulted in a forced landing/ditching at sea.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on an overwater flight from the Bahama Islands to West Palm Beach, Florida. He stated that the engine lost power, and he could not get the airplane to glide to land. He ditched the airplane in the ocean about 1 mile from land. He and the passenger were rescued by the Coast Guard. The airplane sank and was not recovered.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 8, 1996, about 1407 eastern standard time, N800PB, a Cessna 172N, ditched in the water 1 mile from the shore of Lantana, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Mosstown, Bahamas, about 3 hours 30 minutes earlier. The pilot radioed controllers on duty at West Palm Beach, Florida, that he had experienced a loss of power and he could not glide to land. The pilot ditched the airplane and the United States Coast Guard rescued the pilot and passenger. The airplane sank and has not been recovered. -