Narrative
While crossing Lake Huron at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. He contacted flight watch to report the situation. The pilot attempted several corrective actions, including moving the fuel selector handle and enriching the fuel mixture, but without success. He then applied carburetor heat, moved the throttle, and operated the fuel selector switch again. However, by that time, the aircraft had descended to approximately 100 feet above the water, about 15 to 17 miles offshore.
The pilot contacted flight watch again to provide an updated position and to announce his intention to ditch the aircraft in the lake. According to the pilot, engine power was restored just before the aircraft contacted the water, but he was unable to avoid the ditching. The pilot exited the aircraft, which sank soon after contacting the water. He was able to tread water for approximately 18 hours before being picked up by a pleasure boat. Following the accident, the pilot was hospitalized for several days.
Conditions
The outside air temperature was 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dew point was 57 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the FAA Icing Probability Chart, these conditions were conducive for serious icing at glide power.
Aftermath
The aircraft remains at the bottom of Lake Huron in about 210 feet of water. The pilot reported that he did not recognize the symptoms of carburetor ice and that he should have applied the carburetor heat sooner.