What happened
While operating a Piper PA 46-310P, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was approximately two miles east of the airport, flying at an altitude of about 3,500 feet MSL on a southwesterly heading.
The pilot contacted TRACON to report the power loss. Air traffic controllers provided instructions for the pilot to turn to a 150-degree heading to receive radar vectors for Runway 3MU. However, the pilot did not execute the turn and continued on the original southwesterly course. During this descent, the aircraft flew past the approach ends of two different runways. The flight ended when the airplane crashed 2.5 miles west of the airport, striking a telephone pole during the forced landing.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the fuel state and consumption for the flight. At takeoff, the pilot reported having 300 pounds (approximately 50 gallons) of fuel on board. Based on the Pilot Operating Handbook for the aircraft, which indicates a fuel burn rate of approximately 16 gallons per hour, the total flight duration of about one hour should have left sufficient fuel remaining.
Upon examination of the wreckage, investigators found no evidence of fuel in the aircraft's fuel system and no evidence of fuel spillage from either wing following the accident.