Incident Overview
A pilot departed with fuel tanks filled to capacity (102 gallons usable) at approximately 1915. During the flight, the pilot switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank before reaching the first intended airport. After performing one practice instrument approach, the pilot continued toward a second intended airport.
Engine Power Loss
About 2 hours and 5 minutes into the flight, while at 4,500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot reported that there was no sputtering or roughness preceding the power loss. The pilot immediately turned toward the nearest airport and transmitted an emergency distress message on 121.5 MHz. The pilot attempted an engine restart using emergency procedures but was unable to restart the engine.
Ditching and Aftermath
Unable to restart the engine, the pilot ditched the aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the depth of the water, the wreckage was not recovered. The pilot noted that he had plenty of fuel on board and typically burned 17 to 18 gallons per hour in cruise flight at 4,500 feet MSL.
Fuel Management
The pilot's decision to switch fuel tanks during the flight was noted. The exact fuel state at the time of the power loss was not determined, as the wreckage was not recovered. The pilot's statement about fuel consumption suggests that sufficient fuel should have been available for the flight duration.
Conclusion
The event remains without a definitive cause due to the lack of wreckage recovery. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the source, and the pilot survived the ditching.