Incident Overview
A pilot engaged in banner towing operations reported losing engine power while flying along the ocean shoreline at an altitude of 500 feet and an airspeed of 40 mph. The pilot released the banner into the water and attempted to restart the engine without success. The aircraft was then ditched in the ocean approximately 100 feet from the shore.
Post-Accident Examination
Following recovery, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft on the beach. The inspection revealed structural damage to the right wing. Additionally, the inspector noted that the aircraft had undergone extensive modifications, including the replacement of the original two-position (ON/OFF) fuel selector valve with a four-position valve (BOTH ON/LEFT/RIGHT/OFF). The fuel selector valve was found positioned to LEFT. The left fuel tank contained about 1 gallon of fuel, while the right tank was full.
Pilot and Operator Statements
The pilot stated that he was aware of the extensive modifications to the aircraft but was not informed that the fuel selector valve had been changed. He further reported that he had never touched the fuel selector switch, as he believed it was a simple ON/OFF control. In contrast, the operator reported that the pilot had received training in the aircraft that included the use of the four-position fuel selector valve.