Primary finding
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to perform fuel consumption calculations. Factors related to this accident were: the pilot's inadequate preflight or inflight planning and preparation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot did not perform any preflight or en route fuel calculations for the flight. The pilot landed at an airport to pickup a passenger. While returning to the initial departure airport, the engine sustained a total loss of power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane collided with a ravine. A post accident exam of the fuel tanks found only residual fuel remaining. An FAA operations inspector calculated an endurance of 4.5 hours possible. The total elapsed tachometer time was 5.0 hours. The pilot said he ran out of fuel in a post crash interview.
Source record
Factual narrative
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