Incident Details
A pilot was returning from a cross-country flight when he attempted to activate the airport runway lights but was unable to do so. While searching for an alternative place to land, the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot then executed a forced landing into an open field.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot stated that he should not have relied on the fuel gauges and should have been more familiar with the aircraft's fuel consumption characteristics before undertaking a night cross-country flight.
Airport Information
According to the airport owner, at least one other aircraft successfully activated the runway lights on the same night the accident occurred. The cause of the pilot's inability to activate the lights remains unspecified in the report.