Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, about 30 minutes into the flight, he was over the water about 15 miles to the nearest land, when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot made several attempts to restart the engine, each of which was unsuccessful; he subsequently initiated an emergency descent. The pilot circled a private vessel during the descent and ditched in the water nearby. He and his passenger exited the airplane before it sank and they were picked up by the vessel. The airplane was not recovered.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA087 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 4, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Avalon, California
- Nearest airport
- Catalina (AVX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built TEXAS SPRT CUB TX11J
- N-number
- N114DE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.