Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane lost engine power in-flight while en route to its destination. He performed a forced landing to a terraced field. He reported that there was sunlight, which blocked his detection of the terrace. The airplane's nose landing gear impacted the terrace, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed that there was no usable fuel in the fuel tanks.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported he had 24 gallons of fuel on board when he departed. The airplane lost engine power in flight while en route to its destination, an approximate distance of 58 miles. The pilot performed a forced landing on a terraced field. The pilot reported that there was sunlight, which blocked his detection of the terrace. The airplane's nose landing gear impacted the terrace, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot's accident report indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the accident flight. An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed that there was no usable fuel remaining in the fuel tanks.