What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a ferry flight operation that lasted approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The pilot had elected to conduct this flight without stopping for refueling. During the first leg of the journey, which covered a duration of about ninety minutes, the aircraft consumed a significant portion of its fuel capacity. The specific aircraft model is equipped with a fuel system holding roughly 36 gallons and has an average consumption rate of approximately 14 gallons per hour.
Approximately five miles from the intended first fuel stop, the engine ceased operation due to fuel exhaustion. Following the loss of power, the pilot attempted to execute a forced landing. The aircraft stalled at an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level during this maneuver. No injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident.
The investigation
Examination of the flight parameters and fuel calculations indicated that the available fuel was insufficient for the planned distance without refueling. The engine quit as a direct result of running out of usable fuel. There were no mechanical failures detected other than those caused by the lack of fuel supply.
Findings
The primary contributing factor to this accident was the pilot's decision to undertake a long-distance ferry flight without adequate fuel planning or refueling stops. The aircraft's fuel capacity and burn rate were not sufficient to cover the distance to the first stop while maintaining reserves for the remainder of the trip.