Incident Overview
During a return flight to the airport after completing practice maneuvers, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power while cruising at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot announced the loss over the Unicom radio frequency and subsequently performed a successful ditching of the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed that the carburetor heat control cable was not connected. The investigation found no evidence that the pilot had applied carburetor heat prior to the loss of engine power. Additionally, neither the pilot's nor the passenger's written statements referenced the use of carburetor heat.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the recorded temperature was 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination of temperature and dew point created a possibility for carburetor icing. However, given the flight profile at the time, carburetor icing was not likely associated with the loss of engine power.
Airworthiness Findings
Other than the disconnected carburetor heat cable, no other airworthiness issues that could be associated with the accident were identified.