Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight the pilot experienced an increase in engine noise before the engine suddenly lost power. While the fuel status and tank indications were normal, he attempted to restart the engine three separate times without success. The pilot reported to air traffic control that the engine had failed and that he would be conducting an emergency landing into the Gulf of Mexico. The pilot and passengers were able to egress the airplane and held onto a crab pot buoy. The occupants of the airplane were rescued by the United States Coast Guard the next morning. After impact, the airplane sank and was not located.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA013 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marathon, Florida
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Mooney M20C
- N-number
- N2558Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.