Incident Overview
A general aviation airplane operating under visual flight rules (VFR) above a cloud layer was unable to locate its intended destination, Beaumont Municipal Airport, because the Beaumont VOR navigation aid was out of service. The pilot contacted Houston Center and requested radar vectors to Jefferson County Airport in Beaumont, Texas. An instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance was issued for the ILS Runway 12 approach at Jefferson County Airport.
Engine Power Loss
While on final approach for the ILS Runway 12 approach, the airplane's engine lost power. The loss was attributed to fuel exhaustion. Attempts by the pilot to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Attempted Gear-Up Landing
During the attempted landing with the landing gear retracted, the airplane's left wing struck a medium intensity approach light pole. The pole was located 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 12.
Flight Origin and Fuel Quantity
The flight had originated from New Orleans, Louisiana, approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes before the accident. The fuel quantity gauge was checked for accuracy; both tanks measured accurately from zero to full.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the engine power loss was due to fuel exhaustion. No other causal factors were identified.