What happened
The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft's radio transmitter failed while en route. Although the pilot could no longer transmit, he retained the ability to receive communications and was provided with vectors toward the destination airport by air traffic control.
As the pilot began a descent near the destination, the engine lost power. The decision was made to ditch the aircraft in the Tennessee River rather than attempt a landing on rough terrain in the dark. All four occupants exited the aircraft while it was still floating. According to the pilot, no injuries occurred during the forced water landing.
However, one passenger who could not swim and another passenger were presumed to have drowned. The aircraft was later recovered, revealing that only river water remained in the fuel tanks. The flight had lasted approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes before the crash. Fuel consumption for the flight was estimated at 60.27 gallons, exceeding the aircraft's total capacity of 60 gallons.
The pilot was not instrument rated but was briefed to expect instrument meteorological conditions along the route. During the flight, he had cruised at 8,000 feet. At Chattanooga, the ceiling was reported to be 3,000 feet.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that only river water was found in the fuel tanks. This finding confirmed that the engine failure was not due to mechanical malfunction but rather a lack of usable fuel.
The flight duration and estimated consumption indicated that the pilot had exceeded the aircraft's fuel capacity. The non-instrument rated pilot was aware of potential IMC conditions but continued the flight into deteriorating weather without adequate fuel reserves for diversion or holding.
Findings
Contributing factors included fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning and decision-making by the pilot. The pilot failed to carry sufficient fuel for the flight, especially given the non-instrument rated status and expected IMC conditions. The choice to ditch in the river was influenced by rough terrain and darkness, which led to the drowning of two passengers.
The pilot's decision to cruise at 8,000 feet despite a ceiling of 3,000 feet at Chattanooga suggests possible inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions, further complicating navigation and fuel management.