Incident Details
An aircraft that had been in flight for approximately one hour was approaching an airport. While on final approach, the engine stopped functioning. The pilot transmitted a distress call declaring "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FUEL EXHAUSTION" and subsequently ditched the aircraft into water.
Pilot Statements
The certified flight instructor (CFI) who was piloting stated that before departure, he checked the fuel supply by examining the fuel gauges, which indicated approximately one-quarter full. The aircraft's total fuel tank capacity is about 26 gallons, meaning a quarter tank would hold approximately 6 gallons of fuel. The CFI noted that normal fuel consumption is about 6 gallons per hour.
Fuel Observations
After the ditching, the CFI removed a fuel cap and observed fuel present in one tank. He also looked into the cockpit and saw that all instrument readings were "still in the green." The CFI later stated that he did not know the reason for the engine failure.