Incident Overview
A pilot experienced a reduction in engine power to near idle while cruising at an altitude of 9,300 feet mean sea level over the Pacific Ocean. The power loss was accompanied by a tremendous engine-related vibration. The pilot reported no evidence of an oil leak, and the propeller continued to rotate during the event.
Pilot Actions
In an attempt to restore engine power, the pilot switched fuel tanks and checked the magnetos, but these actions did not result in power recovery. With no other options, the pilot performed a ditching of the airplane in the ocean.
Post-Ditching Events
After the airplane touched down in the water, the pilot exited the aircraft and swam approximately half a mile to reach the shore. The pilot reported that there were no life preservers onboard the aircraft. The airplane has not been recovered following the incident.
Subsequent Information
The U.S. Coast Guard later reported that the water depth at the ditching location was about 192 feet.