Event Details
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight departed Ogden, Utah, at approximately 1130 Mountain Daylight Time. The flight proceeded to Black Foot, Idaho, where a touch-and-go landing was performed at around 135 MDT. According to the pilot, the landing was somewhat rough, and the distraction caused him to forget to switch the fuel tanks.
Fuel Exhaustion and Forced Landing
At approximately 1345 MDT, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing in a potato field. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that a printed emergency checklist was not available during the flight. He also stated that he had not been instructed to memorize a checklist for engine failure procedures. Notably, the procedure for switching fuel tanks is part of the engine failure checklist.