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NTSB Report
August 25, 1991 · Cessna 152 · N320SV
Avalon, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 25, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Avalon, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N320SV
Operator
John M Wells
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX91LA371
THE PILOT OF A CESSNA 152 EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AT 2,500 FEET MSL WHILE ENROUTE TO AVALON, CALIFORNIA. THE PILOT DITCHED IN THE OCEAN AND THE AIRPLANE SANK IN DEEP WATER AND WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIRPLANE WAS REFUELED WITH 10 GALLONS OF AVIATION FUEL ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE AND WAS AIRBORNE ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND SUBSEQUENT DITCHING WHILE FLYING OVER THE OCEAN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF A CESSNA 152 EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AT 2,500 FEET MSL WHILE ENROUTE TO AVALON, CALIFORNIA. THE PILOT DITCHED IN THE OCEAN AND THE AIRPLANE SANK IN DEEP WATER AND WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIRPLANE WAS REFUELED WITH 10 GALLONS OF AVIATION FUEL ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE AND WAS AIRBORNE ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN320SV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJohn M Wells
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO