Flight Details
The pilot departed Oshkosh for Scottsbluff with an estimated 80 gallons of fuel on board. The estimated time en route was 4 hours and 30 minutes, and fuel consumption was planned at 15 gallons per hour. Approximately 37 nautical miles short of Scottsbluff, the pilot noticed that the right fuel gauge indicated less fuel than expected. This tank was the only one still containing fuel at that time.
Fuel Management
In response to the low fuel indication, the pilot reduced engine power to 55 percent of rated power. The aircraft overflew Alliance, where fuel was available, but the pilot continued toward Scottsbluff instead of landing.
Engine Failure and Landing
As the aircraft began its descent into Scottsbluff, the engine failed. The pilot turned the aircraft toward Alliance while attempting to restart the engine. The restart was unsuccessful, and the aircraft subsequently landed on a rolling sand hill approximately 7 miles southwest of Alliance.