What happened
A student pilot was operating an aircraft on a solo cross-country flight. The pilot made an intermediate stop to land and refueled the aircraft with six gallons of fuel. During the subsequent return portion of the flight, the engine ceased operation. The pilot initiated a forced landing maneuver, but the aircraft collided with trees during the descent.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe and powerplant was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft prior to impact. The inspection revealed that the usable fuel supply had been completely exhausted. There was no evidence found to suggest a preimpact malfunction or failure of any aircraft system.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the depletion of the aircraft's fuel supply. The pilot failed to carry sufficient fuel for the return leg of the journey, leading to fuel exhaustion. This lack of power resulted in the inability to complete the flight safely and caused the subsequent collision with terrain obstacles.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure adequate fuel reserves are calculated for all phases of flight, including contingencies. Cross-country planning requires careful attention to fuel consumption rates and available refueling options to prevent fuel exhaustion.