Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to ensure the aircraft contained adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the engine quit while on final approach and he ditched the aircraft in the water. Postcrash examination of the aircraft by a sheriff's department pilot indicated the aircraft contained no fuel, and that there was no evidence of fuel leakage from the aircraft prior to or after the ditching. The pilot stated he was not sure how much time he had flown since refueling. He stated to sheriff's deputies the fuel gauges were between 0 and 5 gallons at the time the engine quit.
Source record
Factual narrative
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