Accident Summary
On a departure from Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Field, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous failure of both engines during the climb. This loss of power led to a stall, and the pilot was unable to maintain control. The airplane subsequently crashed into Lake Michigan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Event Details
According to the investigation, the cause of the engine failures was fuel exhaustion. Examination revealed that less than two gallons of fuel remained in each wing tank. The pilot's preflight preparation was found to be inadequate, and fuel management during the flight was improper. Additionally, the pilot's operation of the flight controls was not correct, contributing to the loss of control. The impact sequence involved the right wing striking the water first, followed by a cartwheel motion.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a complete failure of both engines due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing factors included inadequate preflight preparation, mismanagement of fuel, fuel exhaustion, failure of both engines, improper operations of flight controls, and the low fuel quantity found in the tanks.