What happened
The incident occurred during an instrument flight training session. After climbing above 3,000 feet, the certified flight instructor directed the student pilot to configure the aircraft for takeoff by lowering the landing gear and flaps, then slowing the airspeed below VMC (72 knots). The instructor then cut fuel supply to the left engine to simulate a failure.
The student followed proper procedures to feather the propeller and accelerated to VYSE (95 knots). However, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude at this speed. The instructor directed the student to turn back toward the airport and attempt an engine restart. During the first attempt, the propeller turned a few times but did not start. Subsequent attempts failed reportedly because the starter would not engage, while the aircraft continued to descend.
The instructor took control of the aircraft and rechecked that the gear and flaps were retracted using the electric hydraulic pump while restarts were attempted. Unable to reach the airport, the pilots elected to land in a shallow bay. Witnesses noted that the left main landing gear was extended before impact. Upon recovery, the left main gear was found in the down position.
The investigation
A post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical reason for the landing gear system or the starter motor to malfunction. The failure to restart the engine and the subsequent water landing were attributed to the inability to restore power during the simulated emergency scenario.