Incident Overview
A certificated flight instructor was demonstrating departure stalls to another pilot seated in the left front seat. The instructor reported that he applied carburetor heat before beginning the demonstration. After completing the third stall, the instructor added power at approximately 1,800 feet mean sea level (MSL). The engine did not respond, and emergency procedures restored only partial power.
Emergency Actions
As the airplane continued to descend, the pilot declared an emergency 'mayday' over the aircraft radio. He selected an emergency landing area near the shore of an island but observed that the beach contained large rocks. To avoid the rocks, the pilot intentionally ditched the airplane about 30 yards from the shore. After touchdown in the water, both pilots swam to shore. A nearby float-equipped airplane responded to the emergency call and picked up the two pilots.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction. The reported temperature and dew point were 40°F and -2°F, respectively, which were not conducive to carburetor icing.