What happened
The pilot departed Parkersburg, West Virginia, for New Carlisle, Ohio, with an estimated 40 gallons of fuel on board. During the night arrival at New Carlisle, the pilot was unable to activate the runway lights by keying his microphone. Consequently, he diverted to Vandalia, Ohio. After landing there, he arranged for the runway lights at New Carlisle to be turned on manually. After a short wait, the pilot took off again for New Carlisle. However, shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot was unable to restart it. He subsequently crash-landed in a soybean field.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that there was fuel in both auxiliary (tip) tanks, about 5.5 gallons in the right main tank, and 1 pint in the left main tank. However, there was no fuel in the line from the engine-driven fuel pump to the carburetor. The fuel selector was found in the right main position. The pilot reported that this was the tank he selected for takeoff and was also the tank position selected when he experienced the loss of power.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply during the diversion. Although fuel remained in the auxiliary tanks, the selection of the right main tank, which contained only 5.5 gallons, proved insufficient for the extended flight time and subsequent takeoff. The lack of fuel flow to the carburetor despite the presence of fuel in other tanks indicates a critical error in fuel management or selector position verification.
Safety message
Pilots must carefully monitor fuel quantities during diversions and ensure that the selected fuel tank contains sufficient fuel for the intended flight path, including any necessary holding or alternate airport approaches. Verifying fuel flow and quantity before takeoff is essential to prevent fuel exhaustion.