Probable cause
A loss of oil pressure and subsequent total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the yellow low oil engine pressure light illuminated about 2 hours into the flight while the airplane was at 8,000 ft mean sea level. The analog oil pressure gauge confirmed the low oil pressure reading of 25 psi. The oil pressure continued to drop, and the pilot notified air traffic control of the situation. As the oil pressure dropped to 2 psi, the engine vibrated strongly and the propeller stopped. The pilot established best glide speed and deployed the airplane parachute system about 1,500 ft above the water. The airplane landed in the water in an upright position. The life raft was inflated, and the pilots egressed from the airplane and were subsequently rescued by a passing cruise ship about 2 hours later. The airplane was not recovered from the ocean, which precluded a postaccident examination.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19TA120 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlantic Ocean, AO
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus SR22
- N-number
- N345DM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.