N6500T

On August 12, 2000, about 1130 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150, N6500T, ditched in the Pacific ocean about 20 miles west of Carlsbad, California, following a loss of engine power. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot for fish spotting operations under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The airplane sank and is presumed to be destroyed. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. While visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the aircraft's cruise altitude, instrument conditions consisting of low stratus clouds existed at the site of the ditching. The flight originated from the Gillespie Field airport, San Diego, California, at 1100 on the day of the accident and was en route to a fishing area offshore.

In his written report, the pilot said that about 40 miles offshore the engine rpm's began a slow decay accompanied by a loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil temperature. The pilot reversed course and headed toward Carlsbad, the closest airport. About 20 miles out from shore the engine lost all power with a loud bang and the pilot ditched the airplane at 33 degrees 10 minutes north latitude by 117 degrees 45 minutes west longitude. A passing fishing boat picked up the pilot. The pilot was unable to reconstruct the maintenance history of the aircraft.