Primary finding
Probable cause
A forced landing in unsuitable terrain, following a power loss due to fuel exhaution. Factors related to the accident were the failure of the pilot to refuel the airplane prior to departure and his improper fuel consumption calculations which led to fuel exhaution.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was in cruise flight when there was a power loss due to fuel exhaustion. During the forced landing, the landing gear was ripped off and the airplane flipped over. The pilot said he had purchased 12 gallons of auto gas and flown for 40 minutes. However, he had no receipt and there was no evidence of fuel in the tanks or fuel spillage on the ground. Additionally no evidence of a failure or malfunction was found with the engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
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