Flight Planning and Departure
The pilot reported that the previous evening, they had flown from Pontiac, Michigan, to Mackinac Island. The pilot calculated fuel for the trip from Pontiac to Mackinac Island and then on to Pellston, Michigan, and determined that there would be sufficient fuel. The pilot planned to refuel at Pellston because fuel was not available at Mackinac Island Airport. At departure from Mackinac Island, the pilot had 12 gallons of fuel in each tank, and estimated that Pellston was 10 minutes away.
Approach and Diversion
After takeoff, the pilot contacted ARTCC and received vectors for the ILS approach to Pellston. The weather at Pellston was ceilings 800 feet broken, 1,500 feet overcast, visibility 2-1/2 miles with moderate rain. While established on the localizer, the pilot reported losing the localizer signal. ARTCC provided vectors to re-intercept the localizer. The pilot informed the controller that they were low on fuel. The pilot intercepted the localizer and reported being established on the approach. Three minutes later, the pilot reported going missed approach. The controller asked about intentions. The pilot stated they were low on fuel and needed to land, and inquired about a nearby airport with good visibility. The controller provided weather for several airports and a pilot report for Charlevoix. After considering options, the pilot elected to proceed to Charlevoix and then decided to go to Gaylord, Michigan.
Engine Loss and Landing
Approximately six minutes later, the pilot reported losing an engine. The controller advised that Harbor Springs Airport (D87) was eight miles southeast of their position and asked if the pilot still wanted to go to Gaylord. The pilot affirmed. The controller asked if the pilot had approach plates for D87; the pilot replied that they did not have enough fuel to make D87. The controller stated that D87 was now eight miles ahead and they were set up for the RNAV approach to runway 10. The pilot requested assistance with the approach instructions. The controller and pilot exchanged information for the approach.
Approximately 13 minutes after the first engine loss, the pilot reported losing the other engine. The controller provided vectors back toward D87. The pilot reported that when they came out of the clouds, they were 300 to 400 feet above the water and could see the shore to the left. The pilot made a 30-degree turn toward the shore and put the airplane down on the shoreline. The airplane nosed over. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.