Primary finding
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's becoming lost/disoriented and soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot departed his origination airport and after flying approximately 2 hours landed at his first intermediate stop. The aircraft was not refueled. During the second leg the pilot became geographically disoriented and after approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes flying time, and while on a 2 mile final to his destination, a total power loss occurred. The pilot executed a forced landing to a soft field during which the nose gear separated on rollout and the aircraft nosed over. FAA on site inspection revealed minimal gas in the aircraft's fuel system.
Source record
Factual narrative
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