Accident Details
A student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight of approximately 380 miles, with planned stops at Naples (APF), Brooksville (BKV), and back to Vero Beach (VRB). The pilot believed he had sufficient fuel for the entire flight and elected to depart without carrying a credit card for fuel purchases. Upon landing at APF and BKV, he did not refuel.
On the final leg, flying a southeasterly route from BKV to VRB, the pilot contacted Vero Beach Flight Service Station (FSS) reporting uncertainty about his position and requesting a Direction Finder (DF) steer. He was given a heading of 060 degrees toward the destination airport. The pilot visually acquired the airport environment, but before arriving, the aircraft ran out of fuel.
The student attempted to glide to a runway but was unable to reach it. He selected an open field for an emergency landing. While maneuvering to land, he momentarily lost control of the aircraft as he turned to avoid a 125-foot tower. He regained control after the aircraft entered a dive, but was too late to prevent impact with the ground.
Calculation Error
The pilot had calculated the total distance of the flight as 280 miles instead of the actual 380 miles. Neither he nor his certified flight instructor (CFI) noticed the discrepancy. Several other airports were located along the last leg of the flight.
Injuries and Damage
[No information provided in source]