Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was en route to his destination at about 3000 feet above the ground when the engine lost power. He stated that he restarted the engine once, but it lost power shortly afterward. The airplane had been flown earlier that day by another pilot. The pilot (of the accident flight) estimated he had 18 gallons of fuel on board and his flying time would be 1 hour ten minutes. After the engine lost power, he established the best rate of glide and tried to reach the nearest airport. However, his altitude was insufficient and the airplane collided with trees about 1.5 mi east of the airport and fell to the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed 1 quart of fuel in the left tank; the right tank and carburetor were empty.
Source record
Factual narrative
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