Piper PA-18-105 SPECIAL N224T accident near Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight about 1/2 mile off shore while towing an aerial advertising banner, the engine abruptly lost power. Despite troubleshooting attempts, including the application of carburetor heat, the pilot was unable to restart the engine, and he initiated a forced landing to a nearby beach. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest partially in the ocean. A postaccident examination of the recovered airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The quantity of fuel onboard the airplane could not be determined due to impact damage to the fuel system and its submersion in water after the accident. Although the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor ice, the pilot applied carburetor heat, and the engine did not restart; therefore, it is unlikely that carburetor icing caused the engine to lose power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA392 for the full record.