Incident Overview
A pilot and passenger departed on a personal flight under visual flight rules (VFR) along the shoreline. No flight plan was filed. During the climb, the engine began to backfire. The pilot assumed control of the aircraft, applied full throttle, and established best glide airspeed. A forced landing was initiated on the beach, but the landing was diverted to the ocean due to the presence of personnel on the beach.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft performing maneuvers described as chandelles, accompanied by sharp reductions in power and subsequent glides of approximately half a mile.
Engine Examination
After the accident, examination of the engine found no evidence of pre-crash failure or malfunction.
Icing Considerations
A review of icing probability charts indicated serious icing conditions at glide power, based on the weather conditions present at the time of the accident.