# NTSB LAX91LA266: Grumman HU-16E, N7029C, Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean), June 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1991, 19:10 local (Jun 19, 1991, 02:10 UTC)
- Place: Pacific Ocean (Pacific Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27253
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA266
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27253/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA266

## Probable cause

IMPROPER TOUCHDOWN IN THE WATER CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. LOSS OF POWER ON THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF QUALIFICATIONS WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - 1 engine
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - aircraft control - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - touchdown - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, unqualified person
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT LOST OIL PRESSURE IN THE NUMBER 2 ENGINE. FLIGHT COULD NOT BE SUSTAINED USING THE REMAINING ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE REMAINING ENGINE WOULD OVERHEAT WHEN POWER WAS APPLIED.  THE CREW DESCENDED TO JUST ABOVE THE WATER AND TRIED TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT IN GROUND EFFECT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THEY ELECTED TO DITCH THE AIRCRAFT.  DURING THE LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND WAS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY FLOODED, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO SINK. THE CREW ESCAPED, BUT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO RETRIEVE EMERGENCY GEAR. THEY WERE RESCUED AFTER ABOUT 20 HOURS IN THE WATER.  EVIDENCE REVEALED THAT THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE A PILOT'S CERTIFICATE.  NO EVIDENCE COULD BE FOUND TO INDICATE THAT THE PILOT HAD ANY EXPERIENCE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT OR WITH ANY SEA PLANE.  SINCE THE AIRCRAFT SANK, A CAUSE FOR THE ENGINE PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7029C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7029C-1991-08-22), registration cancelled 1991-08-22, S/N 997213 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN HU-16E
- Registry model: [Grumman HU-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-hu-16) (registry code 3950405) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 99-7213
- Engines: Curtis Wright 1820-76-D/C 1450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Pacific Flying Fish, Inc.
- Registered owner: Pacific Flying Fish, Inc.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: SBA, SANTA BARBARA, CA
- Destination: PHOG, MAUI, HI
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: class 1

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 25 knots

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910618022449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910618022449A), Jun 18, 1991: Gruman HU16, Pacific Ocean, HI, Destroyed. On Ocean ferry flight lost right engine,could not maintain flight. Ditched in rough water and sank.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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