Incident Overview
While flying over water approximately 14 miles north of the intended destination, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted emergency procedures, but these failed to restore engine operation.
Ditching and Evacuation
Before ditching, the pilot notified air traffic control of the position. A radar return at 100 feet was marked on the controller's scope. The aircraft was then ditched at sea. All four occupants successfully evacuated from the sinking aircraft.
Life Preserver Situation
The pilot reported that three life preservers were aboard the aircraft, but they were not retrieved before the aircraft sank. The pilot had not briefed the passengers on the location or use of the life preservers prior to the flight.
Rescue Efforts
Approximately three minutes after the ditching, a Coast Guard aircraft on a training mission in the vicinity flew over and spotted the four survivors. The Coast Guard aircraft was not equipped to perform a drop rescue. A rescue boat and helicopter were dispatched to the area. However, before rescue personnel arrived, one of the survivors drowned.
Recovery
The ditched aircraft was not recovered.
Investigation
The investigation into the incident did not assign a probable cause.