What happened
During cruise flight, the pilot reported that the engine began to run roughly. In response, the pilot applied carburetor heat and initiated emergency procedures. Although engine power was temporarily restored, it was lost again shortly thereafter. The pilot then executed a forced landing in an open field. Upon impact, the aircraft rolled into a stump, resulting in damage to the airframe.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel tanks were empty. This finding confirmed that the engine had stopped due to a lack of fuel supply rather than mechanical failure or other operational issues.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to ensure adequate fuel quantity for the flight, leading to engine power loss and the subsequent forced landing. No injuries were reported, but the aircraft sustained significant damage from striking a stump during the landing sequence.