Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s poor flight planning and decision making, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that about 10 miles away from his intended destination, following a cross-country flight, the airplane experienced “engine or fuel problems.” He stated that he performed the emergency procedures and that the engine power did not improve. The pilot contacted air traffic control and diverted to a closer airport. He stated that he forgot to extend the airplane’s flaps during his approach, and the airplane “came in to land extremely fast.” According to the pilot, the airplane touched down midfield, and the pilot determined that there was insufficient usable runway and he initiated a go-around. The airplane reached about 300-400 ft above ground level and subsequently lost all engine power. The airplane impacted terrain and came to rest inverted in trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that both fuel tanks were intact and contained no observable fuel. There were no discernible indications of fuel on nearby vegetation or fuel dye stains on any airplane surfaces. The pilot discussed his cross-country flight with a flight instructor before departing. According to the instructor, the pilot stated that the total flight time would be 4 hours. The instructor told the pilot to purchase fuel once he landed at his destination before returning, and the pilot acknowledged. According to the pilot, he conducted a touch-and-go landing before departing back to his original departure point. The pilot stated that he did not refuel because both fuel tank gauges indicated that they were above half full.