Incident Summary
While climbing after takeoff, the pilot experienced a failure of the left engine at approximately 700 feet mean sea level (msl). The pilot promptly feathered the left propeller and continued climbing, intending to attempt an engine restart before returning to land.
Events Leading to Ditching
As the aircraft reached about 1,000 feet msl, the pilot determined that the aircraft was no longer climbing. The airspeed had dropped below the single-engine best rate of climb speed, and the pilot also sensed a power loss in the right engine. In response, the pilot lowered the nose and feathered the right propeller. The aircraft subsequently struck the water approximately 2,000 yards from the Santa Monica pier.
Aftermath
Lifeguards arrived at the scene with a rescue boat shortly after the aircraft hit the water. The pilot surfaced and was rescued.