Accident Overview
An aircraft sustained damage during a forced landing in a field following fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that the flight departed Yellow Pine, Idaho, with fuel gauges indicating half full. While climbing to an altitude of 10,000 feet, the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot selected the right fuel tank, which allowed the engine to restart. A landing was made at Cascade, Idaho, to obtain fuel, but no fuel was available at that airport.
Subsequent Flight
Takeoff from Cascade was conducted with the fuel gauge indicating one-quarter full. At an altitude of 6,500 feet, approximately three miles from McCall Airport, the engine quit again due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, which resulted in damage to the aircraft.
Key Facts
- The aircraft departed Yellow Pine, Idaho, with fuel gauges indicating half.
- Engine failure occurred at 10,000 feet due to fuel exhaustion; engine restarted after switching to the right tank.
- A stop at Cascade, Idaho, did not yield fuel, as none was available.
- Takeoff from Cascade proceeded with fuel gauges showing one-quarter.
- Second engine failure at 6,500 feet, three miles from McCall Airport, led to forced landing.