Incident Overview
During an instructional flight, after climbing above 3000 feet, the certified flight instructor (CFI) directed the student to lower the landing gear and flaps to a takeoff configuration and slow the aircraft below VMC (72 knots). The CFI then shut off fuel to the left engine. The student followed correct procedures to feather the propeller and accelerated to VYSE (95 knots), but at that speed the aircraft would not maintain altitude.
Attempted Engine Restart
The CFI instructed the student to turn back toward the airport and restart the engine. During the first attempt, the propeller turned a few times, but the engine did not start. The starter reportedly would not engage during successive attempts, and the aircraft continued descending.
Control Transfer and Actions
The CFI took control of the aircraft and "rechecked gear and flaps retracted using electric hydraulic pump" while restart attempts were made. The pilots could not reach the airport, so they elected to land the aircraft in a shallow bay.
Post-Impact Observations
Witnesses noted that the left main landing gear was extended before the aircraft was landed. When the aircraft was pulled from the water, the left main gear was in the down position. An examination of the aircraft revealed no reason for the landing gear system or starter to malfunction.