What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power resulting from fuel exhaustion. At the moment the engine ceased operation, the onboard fuel quantity indicators for both tanks continued to display a reading of one-quarter full.
The investigation
Post-accident review focused on the discrepancy between the instrument readings and the actual fuel state. The pilot noted that the gauges provided inaccurate information regarding the remaining fuel volume in the tanks during flight.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the unreliable indication of fuel quantity by the aircraft's gauges. The pilot acknowledged that relying solely on these instruments without physical verification led to the miscalculation of available fuel reserves. Had the pilot performed a manual dip check during preflight, the actual fuel state would have been known accurately, allowing for proper flight planning and prevention of the event.
Safety message
Pilots should not rely exclusively on fuel quantity indicators, which can be unreliable. Physical verification of fuel levels through dipping or other direct measurement methods is essential during preflight to ensure accurate fuel planning.