Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and pilot rated passenger were on a cross country flight when the airplane’s engine stopped. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field. The airplane struck a fence and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks were not breached and contained no usable fuel. After the accident, the pilot stated that he was surprised they ran out of fuel and will use this accident as a lesson learned.