Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight planning.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after takeoff the single-engine airplane lost engine power. The private pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing the airplane flipped over, coming to rest in the inverted position. The airplane was substantially damaged during the landing sequence. In a telephone interview with the Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge, the pilot stated that, "he didn't check his fuel prior to departure and that he ran out of gas." The operator did not submit a completed NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident report as requested, at the time this report was prepared.
Source record
Factual narrative
Shortly after take-off the single-engine airplane lost engine power. The private pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing the aircraft flipped over, coming to rest in the inverted position. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the landing sequence. In a telephone interview with the Federal Aviation Administration inspector and the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge, the pilot stated that, "he didn't check his fuel prior to departure and that he ran out of gas."