Accident Details
Prior to a glider tow flight, the pilot estimated that he had about 45 minutes of fuel on board and that the flight would take about 12 minutes. The pilot did not visually check the fuel level before departing, instead relying on the sight gauge. After releasing the glider and while descending, the engine lost power. Judging that he could not reach the airport, the pilot landed just offshore in the ocean surf.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine and propeller revealed no apparent damage to the propeller, and when rotated, no abnormal sounds were detected from the engine. Examination of the airframe showed that both ailerons were damaged, the fuselage was deformed, and the rudder was damaged. The fuel tank, which had not been breached, was inspected and observed to be empty. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.