Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to refuel the airplane before the flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was returning to his home base after having an annual inspection performed on his airplane when he experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane struck trees and crashed next to a county highway during the attempted forced landing. Investigators found approximately one teaspoon of fuel in the right tank, no fuel in the left tank, approximately two ounces of fuel in the firewall strainer, and approximately one ounce in the carburetor bowl. Before departing the airport the pilot remarked that he was low on fuel and needed to get some. A worker went to get the fuel truck but the pilot taxied out for takeoff and departed the airport as he returned with the truck.
Source record
Factual narrative
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