What happened
The pilot, identified as a student aviator, had originally planned a cross-country flight route that began in Janesville, Wisconsin. The intended itinerary included stops in Champaign, Illinois, and Galesburg, Illinois, before returning to the origin point in Janesville. The total distance of this planned route was approximately 390 miles.
Before departing, the pilot calculated that he required 3 hours and 45 minutes of fuel for the journey. During the flight, while at Champaign, he purchased an additional 5 gallons of fuel. However, about 26 miles short of his final destination, the engine began to lose power and subsequently quit running due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot attempted to reach a nearby airport but was unable to make it. During the subsequent forced landing, the right wing tip struck a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the aircraft and the fuel management practices of the pilot. Examination revealed that the engine failure was caused by a lack of fuel rather than a mechanical malfunction. The pilot had calculated the necessary fuel duration but failed to account for all variables, leading to depletion before reaching the intended destination.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was fuel exhaustion. The pilot's calculation of 3-3/4 hours of fuel was insufficient for the actual flight conditions and route taken. Despite adding 5 gallons at Champaign, the total fuel load did not meet the requirements to reach the next planned stop or an alternate airport safely. The forced landing resulted in substantial damage to the airframe, specifically the right wing tip.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that their preflight fuel calculations are accurate and account for all potential variables, including wind, altitude changes, and reserves. Adding fuel at intermediate stops does not guarantee safety if the initial calculation was flawed or if unforeseen circumstances extend the flight time beyond expectations.