Accident Overview
During a descent for approach to Moisant Airport, the aircraft's engine stopped operating. The pilot subsequently ditched the aircraft in Lake Pontchartrain.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the engine's magneto system revealed severe damage. The magneto distributor block was severely cracked. Both sets of breaker points were displaced away from the breaker cam. There was evidence of excessive heat buildup within the magneto. The rotating magneto shaft's rear bearing was 'locked up,' which caused the bearing retainer to spin within the distributor block. The inner race had apparently welded itself onto the shaft due to excessive heat buildup in the bearing.
Conclusion
The engine failure was attributed to the magneto malfunction resulting from the locked bearing and associated heat damage. No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or other factors are available from the source.