Piper PA 23-150 N3180P accident near Kona, Hawaii

Probable cause

The total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot was conducting a personal, cross-country, overwater flight in the multiengine airplane with another commercial pilot on board, who was the nonflying pilot. The pilots reported that, at departure, both of the fuel gauges indicated 3/4 tank. While in cruise flight at 5,500 ft, both engines began running roughly; however, after descending the airplane to 3,500 ft, both engines seemed to smooth out. Shortly thereafter, the right engine surged and lost power, followed by the left engine surging and losing power. The pilots reported that they turned on both auxiliary fuel pumps and followed the emergency checklist but that power was not restored to either engine. They added that, at the time of the power loss, the fuel gauges indicated 1/2 tank. The pilot subsequently ditched the airplane in the ocean, and both pilots successfully evacuated the airplane. The airplane was unable to be recovered, which prevented any examination; therefore, the cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA140 for the full record.