Primary finding
Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that, after about 30 minutes of flight, he advanced the throttle and the engine went to idle power then stopped. He restarted the engine and determined that it would only operate at idle power before it stopped again. He was flying over rocky terrain and determined that the best option was to ditch the airplane in a nearby river. After ditching the airplane in the river, the pilot swam to shore. The airplane sank and will not be recovered.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that after about 30 minutes of flight he advanced the throttle and the engine went to idle power, then stopped. He restarted the engine and determined that it would only operate at idle power before it stopped again. He was over rocky terrain and determined that the best option was to ditch the airplane in the river he was flying over. After he ditched the airplane in the river, he swam to shore. The airplane sank and will not been recovered.