What happened
The pilot reported that he conducted a preflight inspection and checked the fuel quantity prior to departure. He stated that the tanks appeared to be approximately half full, which he estimated provided about three hours of endurance. About one hour after takeoff, the engine quit without warning. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a pasture but landed long, rolling into an adjacent Milo field. Upon impact, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the aircraft following the accident. Examination revealed that the nose gear had collapsed during the landing sequence. No other mechanical anomalies were identified that would have prevented normal engine operation.
Findings
The pilot's assessment of the fuel quantity was incorrect, leading to a critical shortage of fuel during flight. The subsequent loss of power resulted in an unavoidable forced landing. The terrain and landing surface contributed to the collapse of the nose gear and the resulting nosed-over position of the aircraft.
fuel exhaustion
Safety message
Pilots must accurately calculate fuel requirements and verify fuel quantities using dip sticks or other reliable methods, rather than visual estimation, to ensure sufficient endurance for the planned flight plus reserves.