# NTSB MIA88LA202: Cessna 180, N3634C, Bimini, Bahamas, June 22, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1988, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Bimini, Bahamas
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32196
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88LA202
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32196/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA202

## Probable cause

Low engine oil pressure and subsequent engine seizure for undetermined reasons.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - lubricating system - low pressure (cause)
  - engine assembly - seized (cause)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent
- Ditching, landing

## Analysis

On June 22, 1988, approximately 1500 EDT, a Cessna 180, N3634C, registered to Ferro Aviation Maintenance Company, Inc., ditched following a loss of power in the ocean near Bimini, Bahamas.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed for the Part 91 personal flight.  The airplane was destroyed and the two occupants were not injured.  The flight originated from Bimini and was enroute to Miami, Florida.  The pilot reported that he noticed a loss of oil pressure prior to the engine seizing.  After ditching, the occupants were rescued by a fishing vessel.

No additional information is available.

## Factual narrative

On June 22, 1988, approximately 1500 EDT, a Cessna 180, N3634C, registered to Ferro Aviation Maintenance Company, Inc., ditched following a loss of power in the ocean near Bimini, Bahamas.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed for the Part 91 personal flight.  The airplane was destroyed and the two occupants were not injured.  The flight originated from Bimini and was enroute to Miami, Florida.  The pilot reported that he noticed a loss of oil pressure prior to the engine seizing.  After ditching, the occupants were rescued by a fishing vessel.

No additional information is available.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3634C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3634C-2012-10-09), registration cancelled 2012-10-09, S/N 31132, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180) (registry code 2072602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ferro Aviation Maint. Co., Inc
- Departed: 2BV
- Destination: OPF, MIAMI, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Wind: 120° at 11 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TMB

## 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 19880622023639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880622023639A), Jun 22, 1988: Cessna 180, Bimini, Bahamas, Destroyed. Reported engine seized over ocean en route. Ditched and aircraft sank. Pilot and passenger rescued by boat.

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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