Incident Overview
During approach to an airport, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The private pilot reported that at the time of the power loss, the left fuel gauge indicated mid-range, while the right gauge showed empty.
Flight Time and Fuel Data
The airplane's tachometer recorded a total flight time of 5.2 hours, while the Hobbs meter indicated 5.7 hours. Prior to the return leg, the pilot added 10 gallons of fuel, bringing the total usable fuel for the entire flight to 34.5 gallons. The pilot estimated the fuel consumption rate at 6 or 7 gallons per hour. Based on these figures, the calculated fuel endurance would have been 5 hours 45 minutes at 6 gallons per hour, or 4 hours 54 minutes at 7 gallons per hour.
Post-Incident Observations
First responders at the accident site reported finding no evidence of fuel.