Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after departure and while climbing through approximately 150 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that during a subsequent phone conversation, he mentioned the engine seemed to go to idle power during the initial climb. He switched fuel tanks and attempted an unsuccessful restart.
Evasive Maneuvers and Ditching
To avoid a boat, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft before ditching it in the ocean. The pilot and passenger exited the aircraft before it sank.
Post-Accident Events
About 12 days after the accident, at the request of environmentalists, the aircraft was raised by the pilot. The pilot stated that the aircraft was destroyed by the accident and exposure to salt water, and that it still had fuel in the tanks. He subsequently disposed of the aircraft without notifying the Safety Board.