Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to refuel prior to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was en route to an airport to refuel, but he experienced a loss of engine power approximately two miles before reaching his destination. The pilot reported that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. He landed on a gravel road, struck a mail box, went off the roadway, and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 30, 1993, about 1800 central daylight time, a Champion 7FC airplane, N8521E, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing on a gravel road near Ortonville, Minnesota. The solo commercial pilot received minor injury. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated without flight plan in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed Madison, Minnesota, about 1745. The pilot reported a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. He landed on a gravel road, struck a mail box, went off the roadway and nosed over. -