Accident Overview
The airplane, a twin-engine model purchased by the airline transport certificated pilot about two days prior, was ditched in deep water approximately 829 miles from the departure point. The aircraft sank and was not recovered.
Flight Details
The pilot departed on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 cross-country flight destined for an airport about 908 miles away. The airplane had a total fuel capacity of 192 gallons, including auxiliary wingtip tanks, and the pilot estimated an endurance of 7.5 to 8 hours at a fuel consumption rate of about 23 gallons per hour.
Pilot's Account
Five hours and 12 minutes after takeoff, after consuming an estimated 122 gallons, the pilot reported that the main fuel tanks were dry. He attempted to draw fuel from the auxiliary tanks without success. Although the fuel gauges for the auxiliary tanks indicated 1/4 full, both engines began surging. The pilot stated that approximately 50 gallons of fuel should have remained in the wingtip tanks. He tried every fuel tank and cross-feed combination, but the engines lost power, forcing him to ditch the airplane.
Post-Accident
The aircraft sank in deep water and was not recovered. No further details were provided in the source.