What happened
On 7 July 2000, a Piper PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, registration N44DN, was performing a shakedown flight following a 100-hour maintenance inspection at Bournemouth Airport. The flight, which was a private operation, included the pilot and two passengers. During the flight, the pilot noted that the right fuel tank indicator had dropped to zero, though this caused little immediate concern as the left tank was also being monitored.
While descending and established on the ILS approach to Runway 08, the pilot observed fluctuations in engine RPM and fuel flow. In an attempt to rectify the issue, the pilot switched fuel sources, but the engine failed to maintain power. After a brief period where power was partially restored, the engine failed completely approximately ten miles from touchdown. The pilot diverted from the ILS to locate a suitable landing site, eventually selecting an uphill open field. The aircraft touched down smoothly but continued into a boundary hedge, causing extensive damage to the airframe, specifically the left wing. All three occupants sustained only minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's recent flight history and maintenance records to determine the fuel state at departure. While the pilot believed there were 62 US gallons of fuel on board, the investigation revealed that the aircraft had been involved in several flight sectors and ground operations since its last refueling on 23 June.
Records showed the aircraft had flown multiple sectors between Bournemouth and Exeter, alongside various taxiing and engine run-up periods. Because there was no technical log available prior to the flight, the exact fuel quantity could not be verified by the pilot. The investigation determined that the actual fuel remaining was likely significantly lower than the pilot's estimate. Furthermore, the digital fuel endurance indicator, which relies on manual resetting during refueling, may not have accurately reflected the true remaining fuel due to the cumulative consumption during ground operations and previous flight legs.