Incident Overview
A pilot was completing a banner towing operation when the incident occurred. As the pilot applied power to climb from 500 feet to 1,500 feet in order to return to the airport, the engine began running rough and subsequently lost power. The pilot reported that the cockpit filled with smoke.
Actions Taken
In response to the smoke and power loss, the pilot released the towed banner. The aircraft was then steered away from surfers in the area before being ditched in rough water. Following the ditching, both the aircraft and its engine were badly damaged by the heavy surf and salt water.
Post-Incident Examination
The engine was eventually recovered and subjected to a thorough examination and teardown. No discrepancies were found during the inspection, with one exception: the engine-driven oil pump housing and impellers showed signs of foreign object damage.
Witness Evidence
A witness took a photograph of the aircraft before it was ditched. The photograph shows a heavy trail of smoke, believed to be from oil, emanating from the aircraft.