Beech P35 N9520Y accident near Shelter Cove, California

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not located and recovered.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he departed with 74 gallons of fuel onboard for the flight of about 84 nm. After an uneventful flight the pilot selected the runway that was favored by prevailing winds. He then extended the landing gear and reduced power while the airplane was on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern over the ocean. The pilot encountered a partial loss of engine power as he turned to the base leg and the airplane began to descend from 800 ft above ground level. He performed emergency procedures for a loss of power from memory, but the engine continued to run at low power. Unable to maintain altitude, the airplane impacted the ocean and sank. The pilot and passenger, who were both seriously injured, egressed the airplane and swam to shore. Subsequent efforts to locate and recover the airplane were unsuccessful.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA262 for the full record.