Accident Narrative
The pilot had fueled the aircraft the day before the flight, ensuring enough fuel for the planned two-hour flight plus a one-hour reserve. The en route portion proceeded without incident. During descent from 9,500 feet to 1,800 feet over the northeast side of Lake Washington, the pilot experienced the first indication of an engine problem. According to the pilot, there were no sudden sounds, choking, or coughing; instead, the engine sound smoothly diminished to an idle sound over approximately one second, as if the throttle had been pulled back.
Upon noticing the power loss, the pilot turned the aircraft to search for a landing spot and informed air traffic control of the issue. Not finding a suitable landing area, the pilot set a course toward Sand Point, an area along the west shoreline of the lake, hoping to reach an open field. During the descent, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the "both" position to the left fuel tank, then to the right fuel tank, in an attempt to restart the engine. The engine did not restart, and the pilot concentrated on the emergency landing.
The aircraft was unable to reach Sand Point, so the pilot maneuvered for a ditching parallel to the shoreline. The aircraft struck the water and remained upright. All three occupants evacuated the aircraft without injury before it sank.
Emergency Response
A nearby motorboat operator rescued the occupants within minutes of the accident. No injuries were reported among the occupants.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
After the aircraft was recovered and the engine was dried out, an engine run was performed. The engine started on the first attempt and operated at idle power for several minutes with no anomalies noted.