WPR12LA411

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight over the ocean in the float-equipped airplane, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude, and the pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the water. After the pilot and his son were rescued, the airplane sank, and the wreckage was not recovered. Although the pilot reported that there might have been a problem with the turbocharger wastegate, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined because the airplane sank.

On September 9, 2012, about 1545 Pacific daylight time, a float equipped Cessna A185F, N80SS, made an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean, about 16 miles northwest of Cambria, California. The commercial pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane subsequently sank in 6-foot swells and was not recovered. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed the Camarillo Airport (CMA), Camarillo, California, at an undetermined time. The flight was destined for Canada, and no flight plan had been filed.According to rescue personnel, the pilot reported that the airplane lost manifold pressure. He made an emergency landing on the ocean, and shortly after being rescued by the Coast Guard, the airplane sank. In an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (NTSB IIC), the pilot stated that the engine experienced a partial power loss, with not enough power to keep the airplane airborne, and it was as if someone had pulled the throttle back. The pilot stated that the manifold pressure was at 13 inches. He stated that he pointed the airplane into the swells, and made the forced landing. The pilot did not return a pilot/operators report; however, he provided a full statement to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2012/September/13/Power-loss-over-rough-seas). In this report, the pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to go on an annual fishing trip with this son. They were about 1,700 feet when there was a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the engine did not sputter; it was more as if someone had pulled the throttle back. The pilot further reported that the engine would not produce more than 15 inches of manifold pressure; he surmised that there may have been a problem with the turbocharger wastegate.