What happened
While flying approximately six miles offshore over Lake Michigan, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the engine quit during flight but was able to temporarily restore power while maneuvering the aircraft for a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft contacted a large rock, causing the right main gear to separate from the airplane and resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft eventually came to rest partway down an embankment. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor had separated from the engine, though no evidence of fuel leakage was found at the accident site. Investigators drained 1.5 ounces of fuel from the line between the header tank and the fuel selector. Although the fuel gauges indicated the left tank contained one-third of a tank of fuel, a visual inspection revealed that both tanks were actually empty. The aircraft had been modified with an extended range fuel system and had remained unused since September 2000.
Prior to the accident, the pilot noted a fuel leak from the carburetor three days earlier. Following advice from a mechanic and the owner, the pilot tapped the carburetor with a wrench to address a suspected stuck float needle before performing a pattern flight. The pilot admitted that he did not visually check the fuel levels prior to takeoff on the day of the accident.