Incident Details
The Ercoupe 415-C was in cruise flight at an altitude of 1,000 feet mean sea level when the engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot completed the emergency checklist, which included applying carburetor heat, but engine performance did not improve. The pilot subsequently performed a ditching in a river. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane, which then sank in saltwater.
The airplane sustained damage to the forward portion of the fuselage, both wings, and the propeller.
Post-Recovery Findings
When the airplane was recovered, the pilot reported observing contamination lodged in the fuel line leading to the gascolator. He had not observed any fuel contamination during his preflight inspection. The airplane was subsequently sold.
The new owner confirmed the presence of a restriction in the fuel line. After flushing the fuel tanks and fuel lines, the engine was started and ran without any anomalies.