What happened
A certificated commercial pilot was operating a float-equipped, single engine airplane with three passengers aboard when the aircraft departed from a remote lake. During level, cruise flight, the engine began to run rough and lost power. Although the pilot performed emergency procedures that momentarily restored partial engine power, the engine subsequently suffered a complete loss of power.
The pilot attempted a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with trees. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage. All four occupants were not injured.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft following the accident and determined that both fuel tanks were empty. The pilot stated that the fuel gauges installed in the airplane consistently provided inaccurate readings of the fuel quantity. While the pilot had visually checked the fuel levels in the wing tanks using a measuring device prior to departure, he noted that the reading might have been incorrect due to the aircraft's attitude while it was moored.