Background
On the day of the incident, the pilot departed with full fuel tanks containing 24.5 gallons of usable fuel at 1200. The flight proceeded outbound into the Gulf of Mexico on a magnetic course of 147 degrees, covering approximately 100 miles. The purpose of the flight was an aerial survey.
Weather and Fuel Planning
Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing that forecast winds from 030 degrees at 25 knots. However, according to the pilot, the actual winds encountered were significantly stronger and originated from a more northerly direction than forecast.
The Incident
After completing the survey at about 1335, the pilot began the return leg to Galveston on a magnetic course of 355 degrees. As the flight progressed, fuel consumption was higher than anticipated due to the adverse winds. At approximately 1505, the usable fuel was exhausted while the airplane was still about 10 miles from the shoreline.
The pilot transmitted a 'MAYDAY' radio call to Galveston Airport tower, informing them that fuel had run out and that he intended to ditch the aircraft near an oil rig. The ditching was executed successfully, and both occupants evacuated the airplane and swam to the rig without injury. The aircraft subsequently sank and has not been recovered.
Duration
The total airborne time was approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes from departure to fuel exhaustion.