Incident Summary
The pilot reported encountering a high temperature in the right engine and a partial loss of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) while flying at 9,000 feet mean sea level during cruise flight. He requested and received clearance from air traffic control to descend and divert to an alternate airport.
Pilot Actions
After leveling the airplane at 2,500 feet, both engines were operating; however, the right engine continued to experience a loss of rpm, making it difficult to maintain altitude. The pilot reduced power in both engines, turned on the fuel boost pump, and opened the cowl flaps. The right engine continued to run at a low rpm. Despite the engine still running, the pilot elected to ditch the airplane in the ocean rather than land as soon as practical at the nearest suitable airport, as instructed in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). He also shut down the right engine before performing the troubleshooting items listed in the POH. The pilot attributed his decision to poor single-engine performance and windy conditions. At the time of the accident, the wind at the destination airport was from 060 degrees at 6 knots, and runway 8 was in use. The airplane was not recovered.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's improper decision to ditch the airplane after a reported partial loss of engine power and overheat on one engine for undetermined reasons.