Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to verify fuel load after refueling, which resulted in loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot fueled the aircraft prior to departure. During refueling he had another person reading the fuel meter and he told this person to call out after 14 gallons were added. The pilot did not check fuel quantity prior to departure. The engine failed en route and a forced landing was made in an orange grove. The pilot determined the engine failure was due to fuel exhaustion, and that the person reading the fuel meter had called out 1.4 gallons not 14 gallons.
Source record
Factual narrative
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