Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight departed alma, michigan at 1305 central daylight time with 30 gallons of fuel. At 1645 the airplane experienced a total power loss and a forced landing was performed in rough terrain one mile west of pickett, wisconsin, approximately 15 miles short of the intended destination. No usable fuel was remaining in either fuel tank.
Source record
Factual narrative
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