Narrative:The operated on a flight from Bermuda to Lajes, Azores over the Atlantic Ocean. The flight continued normally, cruising at 11,000-ft. At 13:32Z a sudden power loss occurred on the starboard engine. The BMEP dropped from 145 to 70 and manifold pressure from 31" to 17". The pilot decided to return to Bermuda.
At 13:52Z. as the aircraft was descending to 3000 ft, the starboard engine built up to 20" manifold pressure and commenced severe backfiring. The propeller was then feathered.
At 14:45Z while maintaining 3000 feet the port engine began smoking and throwing oil. The pilot diverted to Station Echo, weather observation station located in the Atlantic Ocean east of Bermuda. The aircraft ditched at 15:31Z. All crew members were quickly rescued by USCGC Coos Bay.
Sources:
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US Navy and US Marine Corps Aircraft Serial Numbers and Bureau Numbers--1911 to Present / Joe Baugher»
vpnavy.org
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Bermuda-Kindley Field NAS to Terceira-Lajes AFB, Azores as the crow flies is 3426 km (2141 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.