Primary finding
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the failure of the pilot to refuel the aircraft prior to departure.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While in the traffic pattern the engine quit and the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. The aircraft collided with a berm during the landing roll. FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft and reported that fuel system continuity was established. Only 5 total gallons of fuel were found in the aircraft tanks. The pilot said the aircraft was last fueled 8/10/92 in temecula, california, with the addition of 65.5 gallons of fuel. The pilot said he ordered the tanks topped at that time. The aircraft was then flown 2.5 hours to oakland and parked without refueling. On 8/16/92 the aircraft was flown in the local oakland area for about one half hour and again parked without refueling. On the day of the mishap the pilot flew the aircraft 2.5 hours to fallbrook, where the engine quit in the traffic pattern.
Source record
Factual narrative
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