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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 4, 1991 · Aero Commander 500-698 · N3840C

Atlantic Ocean, AO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
Atlantic Ocean, AO
Aircraft
Aero Commander 500-698
Tail Number
N3840C
Operator
Palm Beach Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA91LA193

WHILE IN LEVEL FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED BOTH ENGINES FAILED AND ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT THEN DITCHED THE AIRPLANE IN THE OCEAN, AND IT SANK AND WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED 2 DAYS LATER. ACCORDING TO FUEL CONSUMPTION ESTIMATES THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADEQUATE FUEL FOR THE ENTIRE FLIGHT AND A RESERVE.

NTSB Probable Cause

AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF POWER OF BOTH ENGINES FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS FOLLOWED BY A DITCHING IN THE OCEAN.

Full Narrative

WHILE IN LEVEL FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED BOTH ENGINES FAILED AND ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PILOT THEN DITCHED THE AIRPLANE IN THE OCEAN, AND IT SANK AND WAS NOT RECOVERED. THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS WERE RESCUED 2 DAYS LATER. ACCORDING TO FUEL CONSUMPTION ESTIMATES THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADEQUATE FUEL FOR THE ENTIRE FLIGHT AND A RESERVE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:22 UTC
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander 500-698
Tail NumberN3840C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPalm Beach Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A2B · Reciprocating · 250
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 13 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data