What happened
Approximately 40 minutes into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, the engine of the aircraft suddenly and without warning ceased operating. The pilot attempted to perform emergency procedures but was unable to restart the engine. A witness observing from a nearby parking lot reported seeing the airplane appearing to wave back and forth and hearing the engine cutting on and off before the crash occurred.
The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing at the edge of a wooded area, specifically on the bank of a private pond. According to statements provided to a Columbia County Sheriff's Office detective, the pilot had run out of fuel while attempting to reach an open field for landing.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examining the scene noted that the impact destroyed the right wing and its associated fuel tank. However, the left wing remained intact, and the fuel tank in the left wing was found to be nearly full of fuel. An examination of the fuel lines, ranging from the gascolator to the fuel pump and from the fuel pump to the carburetor, showed no evidence of fuel flow.
The NTSB conducted an operational test of the engine at Atlanta Air Salvage in Griffin, Georgia. The engine functioned correctly during the test, showing no evidence of pre-accident failure or malfunction. Additionally, a detailed examination and testing of the aircraft's carburetor revealed no anomalies.