Piper PA-32-301 N8224H accident near Homestead, Florida

Probable cause

A total loss of power for reasons that could not be determined, as the airplane was not recovered from the water following the ditching.

NTSB analysis

The pilot, flight instructor, and two passengers departed with full fuel tanks on a short cross-country flight, partially over water. About 40 minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 5,500 ft mean sea level, the engine began to lose power. The flight instructor turned on the auxiliary fuel pump and switched fuel tanks but was unable to restore engine power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and ditched the airplane into the water about 1/2-mile from shore. The airplane was not recovered from the water following the accident and was presumed substantially damaged. Given that the wreckage was not recovered from the water, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA123 for the full record.