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NTSB Report
August 5, 1993 · Piper PA-18-150 · N7540
Cape Canaveral, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Cape Canaveral, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N7540
Operator
Burfitt Andrew
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA93LA171
THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TOWING AN ADVERTISING BANNER SOUTHBOUND WHILE JUST OFFSHORE FROM THE BEACH. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE QUIT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED IN THE OCEAN NEAR SHORE AND NOSED OVER DURING THE DITCHING. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE AFTER RECOVERY FROM THE OCEAN BY FAA INSPECTORS REVEALED NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE AND SYSTEMS. USABLE QUANTITIES OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS FOUND IN BOTH TANKS OF THE AIRCRAFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED HE WAS TOWING AN ADVERTISING BANNER SOUTHBOUND WHILE JUST OFFSHORE FROM THE BEACH. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE QUIT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED IN THE OCEAN NEAR SHORE AND NOSED OVER DURING THE DITCHING. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE AFTER RECOVERY FROM THE OCEAN BY FAA INSPECTORS REVEALED NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE AND SYSTEMS. USABLE QUANTITIES OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS FOUND IN BOTH TANKS OF THE AIRCRAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN7540
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBurfitt Andrew
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC