What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was receiving radar vectors for an instrument flight rules (IFR) approach to the destination airport. Approximately six miles from the runway, the engine quit after five hours and ten minutes into the flight. The pilot reported that no mechanical problems had been observed prior to the event.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that the maximum fuel endurance for this specific airplane model was five hours. No refueling stops were planned or executed during the flight.
Findings
The sequence of events leading to the accident was determined to be a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was subsequently ditched in a nearby lake by the pilot, who elected this course of action given the proximity to the destination and the inability to reach it under power.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that sufficient fuel is available for the entire flight, including reserves, particularly when operating near the maximum endurance limits of the aircraft. Planning refueling stops is critical for flights exceeding standard endurance capabilities.