A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination in combination with the low cruise altitude selected by the pilots, which resulted in an ocean ditching. The lack of personal flotation devices likely contributed to the drowning of one of the pilots.

The partial loss of engine power while maneuvering due to the blockage of the exhaust system by broken internal engine baffles that had shifted during the flight, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent impact with terrain.