Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a local training flight in a Piper PA-38. According to their statements, preflight checks, engine start, taxi out, and engine runup were normal. Before takeoff, they leaned the engine mixture per the flight school's checklist for the aircraft.
Loss of Power and Ditching
After takeoff, while climbing through 300 feet, the engine sputtered and lost partial power. The flight instructor took control and initiated a turn back to the airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine sputtered again and lost all power. The instructor leveled the wings and ditched the aircraft in Tampa Bay.
Rescue and Recovery
The aircraft sank after about 10 to 15 seconds. Both occupants exited the aircraft and were rescued by passing boats. The wreckage was located and recovered two weeks after the accident.
Examination Findings
Examination of the aircraft and engine after recovery revealed no evidence to indicate the cause for the reported loss of engine power.