What happened
The aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power during a daytime cross-country flight. As a result of this mechanical failure, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in the desert terrain, coming to rest approximately two miles short of the intended runway.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tanks were completely empty. Further inquiry into the pre-flight procedures indicated that the pilot had specifically instructed the refueling personnel not to fill the tanks to their maximum capacity. Instead, the pilot directed that the fuel level be left between one-half and three-quarters of an inch below full.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The decision to underfill the fuel tanks prior to departure directly resulted in the engine stopping due to lack of fuel supply. This highlights the critical importance of ensuring adequate fuel reserves for cross-country operations, particularly when operating in remote areas where emergency landing options are limited.