What happened
The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules when the pilot encountered a sudden and complete failure of engine power. This event occurred after approximately three hours of continuous flight time. With no ability to restart the engine or glide to a suitable airport, the pilot initiated an emergency procedure for a forced landing.
The aircraft impacted a wooded area located within a national forest. The terrain was dense with trees, which arrested the forward momentum of the aircraft and prevented further damage from sliding across open ground. Upon inspection following the incident, investigators examined the fuel system to determine the root cause of the power loss.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed critically low levels of remaining fuel. Only four ounces of fuel were found in the gascolator, approximately two ounces remained in the right wing tank, and only a few drops were present in the left wing tank. These quantities are insufficient to sustain engine operation or provide any meaningful reserve.
The pilot stated that he did not visually check the fuel quantity during the preflight inspection. This omission meant that the aircraft departed with an inadequate amount of fuel for the planned duration of the flight. The lack of visual confirmation during the preflight phase is a critical procedural error that directly contributed to the depletion of fuel reserves.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply before takeoff. By not visually checking the fuel quantity, the pilot allowed the aircraft to depart with insufficient fuel for the intended flight time. The total loss of power was a direct result of fuel exhaustion.
The forced landing in a national forest area was a necessary consequence of the engine failure. While the terrain limited the extent of structural damage, the incident highlights the importance of rigorous preflight procedures. Pilots must verify all critical systems and quantities, including fuel levels, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.