Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a training flight. During the initial climb after takeoff, they encountered a partial loss of engine power. The crew decided to turn back toward the departure airfield with the intention of performing a precautionary landing.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after turning back, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The CFI and student were forced to execute an emergency landing, touching down in a lake located approximately half a nautical mile short of the runway. The aircraft came to rest in the water.
Engine Examination
Following the accident, the engine was removed and subjected to a test run. It operated normally during the test. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact defects, abnormalities, or malfunctions. The reason for the power loss during the flight remains undetermined based on the available evidence.