Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s inadequate in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, the subsequent total loss of engine power, and a forced off-airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, on a cross-country flight, she diverted to a closer airport because the airplane was low on fuel. She added that she executed a go-around after a high approach, but when she advanced the throttle forward, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. She then landed the airplane straight ahead in brush. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had less than the 3.5 unusable gallons of fuel. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot reported that on a cross country flight she diverted to a closer airport because the airplane was low on fuel. She added that she executed a go-around after a high approach, but when she advanced the throttle forward, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. She landed the airplane straight ahead in brush. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had less than the 3.5 unusable gallons of fuel. The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.