Overview
A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91 in an area characterized by coastal shoreline and glaciers. The wheel-equipped airplane was not fitted with any navigational equipment beyond a magnetic compass. During the flight, the compass became erratic and stopped providing accurate readings.
Pilot Actions
Unable to fix his position, the pilot made several radio calls on various frequencies. He eventually established contact with an FAA flight service station while circling over a beach beneath a cloud ceiling of about 500 feet. The pilot reported that he was lost and that the airplane had minimum fuel.
Rescue and Landing
A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched and located the airplane approximately 17 miles from an airport. The two aircraft proceeded toward the airport, but the airplane's engine quit when the fuel supply was exhausted. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a partial clearing that contained small trees. The airplane sustained structural damage to its wings and fuselage.
Findings
The airplane had no navigational equipment other than a magnetic compass, which malfunctioned during the flight. The pilot was unable to determine his location and ultimately depleted the fuel supply, leading to an engine failure and forced landing.