What happened
While performing practice maneuvers and returning to the airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power at a cruise altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level. Following the engine failure, the pilot notified others on the Unicom radio frequency. The pilot then successfully performed a ditching of the aircraft.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor heat control cable was not connected. Investigators found no evidence that the pilot had applied carburetor heat before the loss of power, and neither the pilot's nor the passenger's written statements mentioned the use of the system. At the time of the accident, the temperature was 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a dew point of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. While these conditions could allow for carburetor icing, investigators determined it was unlikely to be associated with the power loss given the flight profile. Aside from the disconnected carburetor heat cable, no other airworthiness issues related to the accident were identified.
Findings
- The carburetor heat control cable was not connected.