Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot decision to perform a precautionary landing to a field with obstacles which resulted in a ground loop. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while enroute on a cross-country flight and about 10 miles from her destination airport, she elected to execute a precautionary landing to a field due to low fuel. During the approach to land, the pilot noticed obstacles and attempted to maneuver the airplane away from the obstacles. The airplane touched down smoothly, however, during the rollout, the airplane struck a ditch. The airplane’s left wing contacted the ground and the airplane ground looped. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard section of the left wing. Examination of the airplane at the accident site revealed that both fuel tanks were nearly empty. The pilot reported that she should have stopped earlier to refuel.