Accident Summary
During a cruise flight, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently ditched the aircraft in a lake. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, he used a fuel stick to measure the quantity of fuel in each tank, indicating between 53 and 55 gallons of fuel onboard at departure.
Pilot Report
About one hour into the flight, the pilot switched the fuel tank selector from the left to the right tank, planning to switch back to the left tank after another hour. Upon arriving in the airport environment, he overheard a radio transmission from a departing aircraft and diverted toward a nearby dam to allow that aircraft time to depart. While in the vicinity of the dam at 1,200 feet above ground level, the engine quit. The pilot immediately switched fuel tanks, turned on the fuel boost pump, and advanced the throttle, but the engine did not respond. As he approached the dam, he observed power lines surrounding it. Due to unsuitable terrain for an emergency landing, he intended to ditch in the water. After clearing the power lines, he descended toward the water, and the airplane impacted at 60 miles per hour.
Inspection Findings
An engine inspection and teardown were conducted after the aircraft was recovered from the lake. No discrepancies were noted that would have precluded normal operation. Eight gallons of fuel were recovered from the left fuel tank, and no fuel was recovered from the right tank. No fuel was found in the fuel injector nozzles, which were clear of debris. The fuel lines were clear and intact. No fuel was found in the engine-driven fuel pump.