Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident examination of the airframe and engine.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot performed a preflight inspection and sampled the fuel with no anomalies noted. He then departed on the flight with 5 hours of available fuel. About 3.5 hours into the flight, the airplane was flying about 500 ft over the ocean when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing to the water, subsequently egressed, and was rescued a brief time later. Examination of the engine after recovery revealed no obvious signs of mechanical anomalies with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA244 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Narragansett, Rhode Island
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 305
- N-number
- N5291G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Banner tow
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.