Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he was towing an advertising banner southbound while just offshore from the beach. Suddenly the engine quit. The aircraft was ditched in the ocean near shore and nosed over during the ditching. Examination of the aircraft and engine after recovery from the ocean by FAA inspectors revealed no evidence to indicate precrash mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine and systems. Usable quantities of automotive fuel was found in both tanks of the aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
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