Primary finding
Probable cause
The private pilot's poor in-flight planning and decision making.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed green bay about 0900 hours with an intended destination of beatrice, nebraska. After encountering IFR weather conditions and higher than expected fuel consumption, the pilot changed his destination to lincoln, nebraska. The pilot stated the engine sputtered at 1345 hours, after 4 hours and 45 minutes of flight. The airplane struck a ditch during the ensuing forced landing. Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of useable fuel in the aircraft fuel system, and no evidence of fuel spillage. The pilot reported he planned the flight based on a range of 8.0 hours, using 51% power at 7,500 feet. He suspected bad fuel cap seals resulted in the fuel siphoning from the tanks during flight. The FAA inspector stated although there were stains aft of the fuel caps, they 'appeared to be old stains.' examination of the fuel seals revealed they 'appeared to be in good condition.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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