On August 1, 1988, a Mooney M20K (registration N56352) was involved in an aviation accident near Racine, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and passenger ditched their aircraft in Lake Michigan after reporting low fuel. Both were rescued by the US Coast Guard. The aircraft was not recovered.
Departure and Preflight
The private pilot and his passenger departed Aspen, Colorado, at an estimated time of 1000 CDT. No flight plan was filed. Prior to departure, the pilot had requested full fuel service at Aspen but did not perform a visual check of the fuel quantity during preflight.
Flight Progress
The flight was conducted at an altitude of 13,500 feet MSL. Approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes into the flight, the pilot advised Kankakee Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) that he was over Lake Michigan and 'low on fuel.'
Ditching and Rescue
The aircraft ditched at approximately 1541 CDT. Both occupants were retrieved by the U.S. Coast Guard 1 hour and 30 minutes after ditching. The aircraft has not been recovered.