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February 26, 2021 · Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 · N680DS

Lanai, HI

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 26, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Lanai, HI
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 (2006)
Tail Number
N680DS
Operator
George S Aviation Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC21LA018

According to the flight instructor, after conducting a practice instrument approach and a subsequent touch-and-go landing in the single-engine airplane, they executed the published missed approach procedure which included holding at a fix located about six miles offshore. Shortly after establishing the airplane in the hold the engine began to vibrate. In an effort to correct for the vibration, the flight instructor moved the mixture to the full rich position, but the engine vibration increased followed by a loud bang. A check of the multi-function display’s engine page revealed no exhaust gas temperature on the number 2-cylinder and a complete loss of oil pressure. The flight instructor then disengaged the autopilot and turned the airplane toward the shoreline. A “MAYDAY” call was transmitted to air traffic control (ATC) as the cockpit began to fill with smoke and oil became evident on the engine cowling. The fresh air window vents were opened in an effort to vacate the cockpit of smoke and ATC provided vectors to a nearby airport. During the emergency descent, while attempting to maintain best glide speed, they tried to restart the engine to no avail, and subsequently secured the airplane, donned their life preservers, and opened the airplane’s cockpit canopy. The flight instructor ditched the airplane in the ocean waters. During the ditching the empennage separated from the fuselage resulting in substantial damage. The airplane sank in the ocean waters and was not recovered or examined after the accident; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Full Narrative

According to the flight instructor, after conducting a practice instrument approach and a subsequent touch-and-go landing in the single-engine airplane, they executed the published missed approach procedure which included holding at a fix located about six miles offshore. Shortly after establishing the airplane in the hold the engine began to vibrate. In an effort to correct for the vibration, the flight instructor moved the mixture to the full rich position, but the engine vibration increased followed by a loud bang. A check of the multi-function display’s engine page revealed no exhaust gas temperature on the number 2-cylinder and a complete loss of oil pressure. The flight instructor then disengaged the autopilot and turned the airplane toward the shoreline. A “MAYDAY” call was transmitted to air traffic control (ATC) as the cockpit began to fill with smoke and oil became evident on the engine cowling. The fresh air window vents were opened in an effort to vacate the cockpit of smoke and ATC provided vectors to a nearby airport. During the emergency descent, while attempting to maintain best glide speed, they tried to restart the engine to no avail, and subsequently secured the airplane, donned their life preservers, and opened the airplane’s cockpit canopy. The flight instructor ditched the airplane in the ocean waters. During the ditching the empennage separated from the fuselage resulting in substantial damage. The airplane sank in the ocean waters and was not recovered or examined after the accident; therefore, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:15 HST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40
Tail NumberN680DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge S Aviation Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-M1A+ · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 27 kt, gusting 36 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data