Fuel Exhaustion Results in Emergency Landing at School (N44386)

Incident Summary

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently conducted an emergency forced landing in a school yard. The pilot executed the landing without further incident.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed that only a few drops of fuel remained in the powerplant. The wing tanks contained one quart and one pint of fuel, while the gascolator was empty. Investigators found no evidence of fuel leakage or any mechanical malfunction that could have caused the power loss.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that he did not recall his leaning procedure. Additionally, the pilot's fuel calculations for the flight were based on an estimated consumption rate lower than what was later substantiated by actual fuel consumption records. This discrepancy indicates that the pilot underestimated the fuel required for the flight.