What happened
The aircraft was involved in a forced landing incident that occurred during a cross-country flight. The pilot had previously landed en route three times without refueling the aircraft. With assistance provided by Eau Claire Flight Service Station (FSS), the pilot attempted to locate Rice Lake Airport but was unable to find it visually. Consequently, the aircraft ran out of fuel and landed in a ditch approximately two miles from the airport, resulting in a nose-over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft following the forced landing. The engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that the lack of refueling during previous stops contributed to the situation. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.
Findings
The primary finding was that the aircraft ran out of fuel. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision not to refuel during en route stops and the inability to locate the destination airport despite assistance from flight service. The navigation error led to the aircraft being off-course when the fuel supply was depleted.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure adequate fuel reserves are maintained throughout cross-country flights, including regular refueling stops. Effective navigation and adherence to flight plans are critical to reaching intended destinations safely.