Flight History
The flight departed Fort Myers, Florida at 0550 hours and arrived at Key West, Florida at 0655 hours. After a brief turnaround, the aircraft departed Key West at 0710 hours for the return flight to Fort Myers.
Engine Failure and Ditching
At 0722 hours, the pilot reported to air traffic control that he was experiencing an engine failure and could obtain no fuel pressure. The aircraft was subsequently ditched approximately 29 miles south of Marco, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fuel Management
The pilot stated that on departure from Fort Myers, he estimated he had 40 to 50 gallons of fuel based on the cockpit gauges. He did not check the mechanical fuel gauges located in the wings. Those wing gauges had been changed and calibrated on March 6, 1984. The pilot, who had previously flown the aircraft, estimated that there was about 20 gallons of fuel on board when he parked the aircraft at Key West. The aircraft was not refueled prior to departing Fort Myers or during the stop at Key West.