Event Summary
A non-scheduled passenger flight carrying four passengers was at night, over water, when the airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after leveling off at 2,000 feet mean sea level. The pilot responded by activating the auxiliary fuel pump, switching fuel tanks, and turning toward land. Despite these actions, the engine continued to lose power.
Emergency Procedures
The pilot prepared the aircraft and occupants for a water landing. The mixture control was pushed fully forward, and emergency checklist items were completed. However, the engine could not be restarted and continued to lose power.
Landing and Post-Accident Examination
The airplane came to rest in approximately 8 feet of water, about 150 yards offshore. Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed about 50 gallons of fuel onboard, and no anomalies were found in the fuel system. The engine was test-run on the airframe after the oil and spark plugs (noted with wet electrodes) were removed and replaced. After several attempts, the engine started and ran at various power settings without interruption. The ignition switch was also tested and found to operate normally.
Probable Cause
The investigation did not identify a probable cause for the engine power loss, as testing after the event showed the engine and systems functioning properly.