Accident Narrative
A pilot reported that he and his wife were traveling to a medical conference scheduled aboard a cruise ship departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 1700. The flight originated from Canton Regional Airport in Canton, Ohio, with a destination of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The pilot stated that both fuel tanks were full at departure. During the first hour and a half, the inboard fuel tanks were selected, followed by the outboard tanks for the subsequent two hours.
While being vectored around thunderstorms, approximately 12 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport in Palm Beach, Florida, the left engine ceased operating. At that moment, both inboard fuel indicators showed empty, and the pilot switched to the outboard tanks, which indicated a quarter full. Two minutes later, both engines began to surge. After making an emergency radio call, the FAA Air Traffic Controller advised the pilot that Tailwinds Airport was located 4 miles to the west. Unable to reach its runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in an orange grove.
The pilot stated that prior to the accident, no mechanical failures or malfunctions had occurred with the airplane or any of its systems.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed substantial damage to the airplane and little to no fuel present. A follow-on examination of the airplane, its fuel system, and both engines found no anomalies.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's failure to adequately plan for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a forced landing, and damage to the airplane during the landing.