Incident Overview
The airplane was towing a banner at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above the water when the engine began to run rough, accompanied by vibration and a decrease in oil pressure. The pilot responded by releasing the banner and attempting to divert to a nearby airport. Simultaneously, the pilot tried to address the rough running engine, but the engine continued to operate erratically.
Ditching and Recovery
Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot conducted a ditching, landing the airplane on the water. The pilot exited the aircraft before it sank. The airplane was later recovered, but the engine was not located during the recovery effort.
Operational Context
The flight was conducting a banner-towing operation, a common activity for aerial advertising. The specific details of the aircraft type, registration, operator, and any injuries are not provided in the source material. No further information regarding weather conditions or air traffic control involvement is available.
Conclusion
The event underscores the challenges of managing an in-flight engine failure during specialized low-altitude operations. The pilot's actions to release the tow and execute a controlled ditching were consistent with emergency procedures, though the ultimate cause of the engine malfunction remains undetermined as the engine was not recovered.