What happened
The incident occurred during a ferry flight with the aircraft approaching the Nantucket VOR. At this stage of the flight, the pilot reported that the engine began to run roughly. In response to the developing mechanical issue, the pilot turned the aircraft back toward Block Island.
As the aircraft maneuvered toward the diversion airport, the fuel pressure began to fluctuate and decrease. This drop in pressure was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in manifold pressure. The pilot performed an emergency system fuel check to diagnose the problem, but the engine eventually lost all power. Consequently, the aircraft was ditched.
The investigation
The available source material does not provide specific details regarding the mechanical examination of the aircraft or the findings of the investigation beyond the immediate operational events described above.