Incident Overview
Approximately 20 minutes after departure, while at an altitude between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, the pilot reported that the left engine failed. About 10 minutes later, the right engine experienced a power loss. During the subsequent descent, the right engine briefly restarted but operated for only about one minute before failing again.
Ditching and Rescue
The pilot executed a ditching maneuver near a sailboat. The occupants of the sailboat rescued the pilot and any passengers aboard the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently sank in approximately 8 feet of water.
Post-Recovery Examination
After the aircraft was recovered, investigators examined the wreckage. They found that the left propeller was not feathered. The right propeller had separated from the engine at the front gear case. During the separation sequence, the propeller punctured holes in the wing outboard of the right engine nacelle.
Fuel Analysis
Fuel samples taken from fueling trucks at the departure airport were tested and found to be satisfactory.