20050705018969A

(-23) The pilot stated: he departed JY04 at approximately 1100 hours local time. After picking up the banner, I proceeded down the bay southbound while climbing to 700' AGL. He proceeded southbound, down the bay, the aircraft began to lose altitude. Full power was added to maintain altitude, but still a slight descent occured. This ceased at about 500' AGL, and the aircraft flew normally. This was not entirely unusual because we encounter downdrafts in that area from time to time. While rounding Cape May point, the aircraft again began to lose altitude. Full power was again added, but did not entirely stop the descent. At an airspeed of about 65 mph indicated, the aircraft still sank at a slower speed of about 57 mph, and a greater angle up attack still did not stop the loss in altitude. A slight dive to 80 mph indicated followed by a climb did not solve the problem either. Carb heat was applied again with no success. The mixture was adjusted, but again no success. The aircraft was running fairly smoothly but did not seem to be putting out rated horsepower. It seemed sluggish. At 200' AGL I released the banner, but the aircraft still did not have the power to maintain or gain altitude. May it also be noted that the loss of altitude was very gradual, and over a distance between 3/8 to 1 mile. (From between the capy may lighthouse and the old concrete bunker on the beach, and the point of forced ditching). The aircraft showed no sign of a stalled condition. There was no flight control loss or tail fluttering or no buffeting or mushiness. I continued to fly the aircraft and maneuvered it away from the beach and swimmers, until it controllably impacted the water in a slightly nose high altitude. This is my statement regarding the ditching of the Piper pawnee on Tuesday, July 5th, at approximately 11:25 am. All statements above are to the best of my recollection.