Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for unknown reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and pilot-rated passenger departed on a local flight; about 20 minutes into the flight the engine started to lose power. The pilot attempted to regain power, but the engine did not respond. He noticed the ocean tide was low, so he elected to land on the beach. The airplane landed hard and veered into the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; however, the airplane was submerged in ocean salt water for a day before it was removed, resulting in heavy corrosion throughout the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shoreham, New York
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech V35
- N-number
- N5616S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.