Flight Planning and Departure
A private pilot-rated student received a weather briefing before the flight and was advised that fog was forecast at the destination around the estimated time of arrival. The flight planned for an estimated time en route of three hours with four hours of fuel on board. The flight departed at 2027.
Approaches and Missed Approaches
The flight was cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The certified flight instructor (CFI) allowed the student to fly part of the approach but subsequently took control and executed a missed approach at minimums. The flight was then cleared for another ILS approach, which also terminated with a missed approach.
Diversion and Final Approach
After the second missed approach, the flight requested clearance to a nearby airport. The flight was cleared for an ILS approach to that airport. While inbound on the final approach, the tower controller was advised that an engine had quit and that the flight was "outta fuel."
Ditching and Recovery
The airplane was ditched near a bridge. All occupants exited the airplane before it sank. The airplane was recovered five days after the accident. The fuel tanks were drained, revealing that the left tank did not contain any fuel. The right fuel tank contained approximately eight ounces of fuel.
Timeline
The accident occurred at 0012, approximately three hours and forty-five minutes after takeoff.