Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean after the ditching.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, while en route at an altitude of about 3,500 ft mean sea level about 20 miles off the coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean, the airplane experienced a “partial loss of power followed by a complete engine failure.” He was unable to restore power and decided to glide as close to the coastline as possible. He ditched the airplane about 11 miles from the shore. The airplane was not recovered, which precluded a postaccident examination. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA009 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 11, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733VB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.