# NTSB NYC89FAMS3: Cessna P210N, N734QR, Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean), March 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Missing aircraft · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1989, 03:21 local (08:21 UTC)
- Place: Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Ocean)
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36300
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89FAMS3
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36300/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FAMS3

## Probable cause

A POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS RESULTING IN A DITCHING IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. HIGH SEAS MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE PILOT FROM GETTING INTO HIS SURVIVAL SUIT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A FLIGHT FROM GANDER, NEWFOUNDLAND TO SHANNON, IRELAND WHEN THE PILOT REPORTED AN ENGINE FAILURE, AND SUBSEQUENTLY DITCHED IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. ANOTHER AIRCRAFT REPORTED THAT THE PILOT DID NOT APPEAR TO GET INTO HIS SURVIVAL SUIT. THE WIND WAS 35-40 MPH, AND THE WAVE HEIGHTS 25-32 FT. THE PILOT WAS NOT FOUND, AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT RECOVERED. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PILOT HAD RADIOED THAT HIS AIRCRAFT THROTTLE CABLE HAD STUCK. IT WAS ALSO REPORTED THAT THE PILOT GOT INTO HIS AIRPLANE WITHOUT SUMPING THE TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N734QR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N734QR-1992-03-23), registration cancelled 1992-03-23, S/N P21000611 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA P210N
- Registry model: [Cessna P210N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-p210n) (registry code 2073454) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: P21DD8611
- Airframe hours: 1296
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Donald Leonard
- Registered owner: Tim Mccandless
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 2, 1989, 45 hours before
- Departed: YOX, GANDER, NFLD
- Destination: SHANNON,IRELAND
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Night/dark
- Wind: 270° at 40 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken

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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