Flight and Incident Details
The private pilot, who was not instrument-rated nor multi-engine rated, occupied the right seat and employed a certified flight instructor (CFI) for the purpose of ferrying a newly purchased aircraft. From the start of the flight, the aircraft experienced communication difficulties and a malfunctioning compass system.
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) transcripts revealed that ATC was aware of the compass problem and frequently vectored the aircraft, identified as N97152, back on course.
Pilot Statements and Sequence of Events
The pilot/owner stated that he slept from departure until approximately half an hour before the crash. He said he woke to what he considered heavy rain noise and heavy turbulence. Around this time, the CFI requested radar vectors to the VOR final approach course at Pagdham Airport but was told the final approach fix was not depicted on radar.
The CFI then stated he was low on fuel and asked to be vectored 'right over the airport at Allegan.' He spotted the airport below him and canceled the IFR clearance.
The pilot/owner stated that the aircraft was burning fuel from the auxiliary tanks and that the gauges indicated '0'. The aircraft crashed a few minutes later.
Investigation Findings
Investigation verified that the accident was caused by fuel exhaustion.