Pilot Attempted To Troubleshoot The Issue And Restart Both Engines But Was Unsuccessful... He Subsequently Ditched The Airplane

Location: Key West, Florida Accident Number: ERA23LA359
Date & Time: August 13, 2023, 10:20 Local Registration: N62WE
Aircraft: Aero Commander 500 S Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot was enroute to the destination airport and overflying the Gulf of Mexico when about 15 nautical miles from the airport and at an altitude of 3,000 ft, the right engine suddenly lost power. The pilot described that about that time, the fuel totalizers indicated that 48 gallons of fuel were onboard, and his fuel quantity gauge indicated similarly. He then contacted air traffic control and declared an emergency. Shortly thereafter, the left engine also suddenly lost power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue and restart both engines but was unsuccessful. He subsequently ditched the airplane and was rescued from the water without injury. The airplane was not recovered and could not be examined after the accident, therefore the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov