Narrative
The pilot reported that during the descent below 800 feet on approach to land, the engine surged multiple times and then failed. In response, he changed the fuel tank selection and set the electric boost pump to the low position. The engine briefly restarted but then quit again. The pilot then moved the boost pump to the high position, but the engine did not respond. Consequently, the pilot performed a ditching in a lake.
After the ditching, the aircraft floated for about ten minutes. Law enforcement and recovery personnel did not observe any fuel slicks on the water's surface. Subsequent fuel consumption calculations indicated that the aircraft had approximately 3 gallons of fuel at the time of the engine failure. When the aircraft was recovered, it was found to contain about 2.5 gallons of fuel.
The engine was later started and operated to full power without any problems.