Skymaster Arctic Circle Ditching.

[Diamond Service]

I am now at home and that sure feels good.

On Saturday the 6 we flew from KPYM via KBGR to CYQB. Both these legs were uneventful and without problems. We parked the aircraft overnight in Quebec City with the fuselage/window cover on and the electrical engine heaters hooked up. The next morning it was snowing and I cleared the aircraft from snow when Oliver submitted the flightplans for our two leg flight to CYFB. The aircraft started instantly and all systems were operating. We flew for 2 hrs and 30 min at 11000 feet before landing in CYWK. Refueled 172 liters and checked the aircraft for next leg. We climbed to 11000 on this last flight of SE-MBT. The weather improved and we soon enjoyed the most beautyful sunset. About 3 hrs and 40 min into the flight we went from heaven to hell. We first noticed a decrease in oil temp. on the forward.Soon followed by low oil pressure. I moved the prop lever to test the response of the propeller system. While doing that the engine failed with a loud metallic scream and smoke entered the cockpit through the heating system. Mayday call transmitted on 121.5 and a KLM aircraft responded. Decend to single engine cruising altitude initiated. The rear engine oil temp and pressure decreased just like the forward and the engine failed with a loud bang. Back on 121.5 to tell the KLM that we were now gliding all engines out. Position report transmitted as well.
I will be back soon with the rest of the story.

Troels.

[WebMaster]

WOW

We are all glad you are safe, but that had to be the scariest moment in life.
Whay year was/is SE-MBT??

[Diamond Service]

Hi Larry.
It was a 1966 model. I will be back with the rest of the story soon. I also feel that I have a good idea about what went wrong and I feel this forum is full of very experienced people to discuss my theory with.

Troels.

[Ernie Martin]

Any work done on both engines recently? Both engines overhauled at the same time, by the same shop?

Ernie

[Diamond Service]

Hello Ernie.
The forward engine was factory new in 2000 and the rear overhauled in 1996.
FWD 462 TSN
REAR 900 TSO

I had the props,governors and all mags overhauled at the same time the avionics was done.

Troels.

[Diamond Service]

It was some busy minutes during the glide towards the cold below. Survival suit completely prepared and life vest put on and ready. Oliver sitting with life raft and some other equipment in his lap. I attempted to restart engines but of course without success. I drained the batttery trying to start engines so instrument lights were very weak. At about 3000 feet we decided to put the plane on the water just beside the ice. It was fairly easy to see the edge of the ice in the moonlight. Close to the water I selected full flaps and we hit the water with apprx 70 MPH. The nose went under and big chunks of ice crushed both windshields and the left side window. I put my right hand on the glareshield to brace myself. The aircraft stopped very rapidly and the water was up to our chest. Within seconds the cabin was completely under water. Oliver had the door open prior to impact but was now struggling to get it open. I got out through the left side window.Once out I pulled the inflate handle on my life vest and I was on the surface instantly. The left wingtip was resting on the ice and I used the wing to push myself up onto the ice. I looked back and saw Oliver in the water trying to get up on the wing. I was extremely worryed that the ice would carry our weight because it was moving and flexing a lot. Oliver boarded the ice crawling on the left wing. We talked about if we suffered any injuries and realized that the raft and other equipment was still in the aircraft. I started to crawl on the wing but the aircraft nosed down and went under. I got back on the ice and watched my company logo on the tailfin disappear into the dark water.

Last part of story to follow.

Troels.

[gwengler]

Wow! You guys are amazing! The fact that both of you made it out of there alive and almost unhurt is a total success story! I've been flying my Skylane to Iqaluit four times in the last three years, on two occasions going to/coming from Europe. Another crossing is planned for next year. I will take every word you wrote into serious consideration, as far as survival goes. When my wife who was with me on all of the above flights, heard your interview on CBC Radio, she cried because she knew from first hand experience how it is to fly in the Arctic and what a feel of relief it is to reach dry ground after a long water crossing.
I used to own a Skymaster myself, so our thoughts are now to find out if you are able to share with us your ideas on what went wrong with the engines. I think we all understand that you must have some concerns to share some information that could be used by various agencies; however, we all want to be able to avoid what you went through.
All the best, go flying soon,
Gerd