Incident Overview
A student pilot, flying solo on a cross-country flight, had stopped at Twin Falls, Idaho, to refuel. After departure, both fuel tanks were full. While descending through approximately 6,000 feet near the destination airport, the engine sputtered and ceased operation. The pilot responded by enriching the fuel mixture, checking the primer, and turning on the fuel boost pump. However, she did not switch the fuel tank selector; she had been using only the left tank throughout the flight. She then executed an emergency landing on soft, uneven terrain covered with sagebrush. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right fuel tank remained full. No evidence of fuel leaks was found. The accident site was at an elevation of 5,489 feet.