Aug. 12, Carlsbad, Calif. / Cessna 150

At about 11:30 Pacific time, a Cessna 150 ditched in the Pacific ocean about 20 miles south west of Carlsbad following a loss of engine power. The pilot suffered minor injuries. The flight originated from San Diego about a half hour earlier and was en route to a fish-spotting mission offshore. The pilot said the engine rpms began a slow decay when he was about 40 miles offshore, 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 the engine lost all power and the pilot ditched the airplane. A passing fishing boat picked up the pilot.