What happened
Approximately ten minutes into the flight following takeoff, the pilot reported that the fuel flow indicator began to fluctuate before gradually dropping to zero. In an attempt to restore pressure, the pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump, adjusted the engine mixture control to the rich position, and rotated the fuel selector valve to a different tank. These corrective actions failed to resolve the issue, resulting in a total loss of power.
The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing on the surface of a nearby lake. After bringing the aircraft to a stop in the water, the pilot exited the cabin and swam to shore unassisted.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the engine and fuel system components was conducted following the accident. Inspectors looked for signs of mechanical failure, blockages, or component malfunction that could explain the loss of pressure. The inspection did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical failure within the fuel system or the engine itself.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft ran out of usable fuel during flight. The pilot failed to monitor the fuel quantity adequately prior to and during the flight, leading to fuel exhaustion. This lack of fuel management resulted in the loss of engine power and the subsequent emergency water landing.