Amateur-built 250 N207Y accident near Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on the 300-nautical mile, 3-hour cross-country flight with 5 ½ hours of fuel onboard. About 7 miles from the destination airport at an altitude of 1,000 ft mean sea level, the engine sputtered, then lost total power. The propeller continued to windmill as the pilot attempted to troubleshoot and restart the engine utilizing the fuel boost pump, but he was unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing into the ocean about 100 yards from shore, and then extricated himself and was rescued.

The airplane remained submerged in the ocean for 18 hours before it was recovered. During recovery, 5 gallons of aviation fuel was removed from the fuel tanks. The engine and components were corroded due to the saltwater immersion, which precluded testing of the engine. The reported weather conditions were not conducive to the development of carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA018 for the full record.