What happened
The incident occurred during a cross-country flight operated by a student pilot. Prior to departure, the aircraft was fueled to its maximum capacity to ensure sufficient range for the journey. Approximately 3.2 hours into the flight, the engine ceased operation without prior warning. Faced with the loss of power, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a nearby wooded area.
The investigation
Following the incident, subsequent engine tests were conducted to determine the mechanical cause of the failure. These examinations failed to reveal any evidence suggesting that the engine fuel consumption was abnormally high or that there was a mechanical defect in the fuel system.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was fuel exhaustion. Despite the aircraft being fueled to maximum capacity at the start of the flight, the duration of the operation exceeded the available fuel supply. The investigation confirmed that the engine itself was functioning within normal parameters regarding fuel consumption rates.