Background
According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to provide a student with night flying instruction. The preflight inspection and engine run-up revealed no discrepancies, and 10 quarts of oil were determined to be in the engine.
Incident
The aircraft proceeded south along the Hudson River until about 2 miles south of Liberty State Park, where a left turn was entered in order to observe a fireworks display. During the turn, an engine surge was experienced due to the propeller pitch decreasing. The pilot noticed an odor associated with a hot engine and observed that the engine oil pressure gauge was reading zero. The pilot contacted Newark International Airport to advise them of the emergency. During the flight to Newark, the engine seized. The pilot then decided to land parallel to the southern shore of Liberty Park in the water.
Rescue
After the ditching, the two occupants exited the aircraft and were standing on the wings. The Coast Guard rescued both occupants.