Incident Overview
A pilot operating an on-demand fishing/hunting charter flight experienced a total loss of engine power and subsequently landed the aircraft in a small lake. During the ground run following the emergency landing, an oil-fed fire engulfed and destroyed the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
Investigators discovered inadequate documentation regarding flight following, as well as missing fuel records and maintenance records for the accident aircraft and its operation. Passenger witnesses reported that the fuel gauges indicated low fuel levels prior to takeoff. Examination of the fuel pump showed evidence of fuel starvation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was fluid/fuel starvation resulting from the pilot-in-command's improper inflight planning and decision-making. A contributing factor was the operator's inadequate record keeping of flight time and fuel upload.