Accident Overview
While on final approach for San Jose Municipal Airport at the end of a cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced total fuel exhaustion. The pilot diverted the aircraft to Reid Hillview Airport and established a power-off glide. On final approach for Runway 31R, the pilot realized the aircraft would not reach the runway and deliberately stalled the aircraft into ground obstructions to reduce forward speed at impact.
Fuel Planning and Consumption
Prior to takeoff at the departure airport, the aircraft was fueled to the tabs, which provided a total usable fuel load of 32 gallons. The pilot had planned a fuel consumption rate of 7.9 gallons per hour (GPH). The total airborne time was approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. At the planned consumption rate, 3 hours 45 minutes of flight would require 29.6 gallons of fuel.
Post-Accident Inspection
FAA inspectors examined the aircraft and found no fuel on board. No evidence of fuel leakage was observed.