What happened
The aircraft experienced a critical failure shortly after the pilot declared an emergency. A witness observed the aircraft in flight but reported hearing no engine sound prior to the crash, suggesting a sudden loss of power.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical discrepancies or damage that would explain a failure. However, further inspection focused on the fuel system revealed a significant issue. When the carburetor was examined, no fuel was found in the line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the carburetor. The carburetor itself was empty of usable fuel.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft ran out of usable fuel. The lack of fuel in the carburetor and the associated lines indicates a total starvation of the engine, which aligns with the witness account of hearing no engine sound before the crash.