Incident Overview
An instructional flight operating under visual flight rules (VFR) ditched in the Pacific Ocean after the engine stopped abruptly. Both pilots reported that they were unable to restart the engine. The propeller would not turn when the starter was engaged, nor would it windmill.
Details of the Event
The certified flight instructor (CFI) performed the ditching maneuver. After the aircraft came to rest in the water, the CFI assisted the student pilot out of the aircraft through his exit. The student pilot indicated that she was unable to open her door or unfasten her seat belt, but she sustained no injury.
Rescue
Both pilots then treaded water for approximately 15 minutes before being rescued by a boat. They reported that no flotation devices were aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident.
Aftermath
The aircraft sank and could not be located; therefore, it was not recovered.