Overview
An aircraft ditched in the waters of Puget Sound during a forced landing after the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The incident occurred while the pilot was being vectored for a second approach attempt at the destination.
Flight Details
The aircraft had flown for a little over five hours. Witnesses observed the aircraft taxiing before takeoff and reported that it appeared heavily loaded. Prior to the loss of power, the pilot's first approach attempt at the destination was unsuccessful.
Engine Power Loss
While being vectored for a second approach, the pilot reported a loss of engine power to air traffic control. The pilot stated that he had switched fuel tanks and turned on the fuel boost pump, but the engine apparently did not regain power. According to performance figures provided by the previous owner, there would have been less than five gallons of fuel distributed between the aircraft's four tanks at the time of the power loss.
Ditching
Following the engine power loss, the aircraft was ditched in the waters of Puget Sound.
Aftermath
The pilot's body was recovered the day after the accident. The passenger's body and the aircraft were not recovered.