LAX97LA087

The pilot reported that the engine's power reduced to near idle while cruising at 9,300 feet msl over the Pacific Ocean. This was accompanied by a tremendous engine related vibration. There was no evidence of an oil leak, and the propeller continued to rotate. The pilot further reported that he switched fuel tanks and checked the magnetos, but engine power was not restored. The pilot ditched the airplane in the ocean and swam about 1/2 mile to shore. There were no life preservers onboard. The airplane has not been recovered. The U.S. Coast Guard subsequently reported that the water's depth was about 192 feet.

On January 10, 1997, at 1225 hours Pacific standard time, a Beech C24R, N18892, operated by the pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power while cruising over the Pacific Ocean near the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, California. The pilot ditched the airplane in the ocean. It sank and has not been recovered. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot and passenger swam about 1/2 mile to the island and were subsequently rescued. They were not injured. The personal flight originated from Van Nuys, California, at 1145.

The pilot reported that during the flight, at 9,300 feet mean sea level, a "tremendous engine related vibration" began. The pilot switched fuel tanks and checked the magnetos and mixture. Only near idle engine power, about 13 inches of manifold pressure, was developed. The propeller continued to rotate as altitude was lost. There was no evidence of an oil leak. The pilot declared an emergency and headed for the shoreline. No life preservers were onboard.

The airplane's last estimated position was near 34 degrees 04 minutes north latitude, by 119 degrees 45 minutes west longitude. The U.S. Coast Guard indicated that the airplane sank in approximate 192-foot-deep water.