Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departure while climbing. The pilot was returning to Ketchikan following maintenance performed in Thorne Bay. The sudden power loss necessitated an emergency landing on water.
Emergency Landing and Sequence of Events
During the emergency landing on water, a control wire failed, causing the airplane to pitch nose-down and come to rest inverted in the water. The aircraft subsequently sank.
Rescue and Final Disposition
All three occupants were rescued by the coastguard approximately 20 minutes after the landing. The aircraft was not recovered and sank at the accident site.