What happened
While operating 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 efforts failed to restore power to the engine.
Prior to ditching the aircraft, the pilot notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of his position. A radar return was noted on the controller's scope at an altitude of 100 feet. The aircraft was subsequently ditched at sea. All 4 occupants successfully egressed from the sinking aircraft.
Although the pilot reported that three life preservers were on board, they were not recovered before the plane sank because the pilot had not briefed the passengers regarding their location. Approximately three minutes after the ditching, a Coast Guard airplane on a nearby training mission located the survivors. Although the Coast Guard aircraft was not equipped for drops, a rescue boat and helicopter were dispatched to the scene. Despite the rescue efforts, one survivor drowned before help could arrive. The ditched aircraft was not recovered.