Beech A23-24 N3670Q accident near Venice, Florida

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that during climbout the engine suddenly lost power. An engine restart was attempted but was unsuccessful. The pilot realized he could not make it back to the airport and ditched the airplane into the ocean. According to the pilot, the airplane had 3.5 hours of fuel onboard at the time of departure, and residual fuel was observed in the fuel injector. A postaccident examination of the airframe and flight control system components revealed no evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the engine revealed that it was exposed to salt water with a corresponding degree of corrosion. A review of the engine maintenance records revealed that the engine was previously overhauled in the field 13 years prior to the accident. The engine manufacturer recommended the engine be overhauled after the accumulation of 2,000 hours or in the 12th year, whichever occurred first. Despite the corrosion damage and delayed overhaul, a complete examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA112 for the full record.