Flight and Engine Details
The pilot, a co-owner of the aircraft, was operating the first flight after the original 150 hp Lycoming O-320 engine had been replaced with a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine. The flight departed at approximately 1115 CDT. The company that performed the engine replacement reported that they had briefed the pilot that fuel consumption of the new engine was approximately 10 gallons per hour per the Lycoming O-360 handbook.
Fuel Exhaustion and Emergency
The flight progressed without reported incident until 1437 CDT, when the pilot stated that the aircraft was low on fuel. He elected to divert to Conroe, Texas, and was cleared to proceed direct. He descended from 9,000 feet to 4,000 feet. At approximately 1559, he declared an emergency, stating that the engine had lost power. Subsequently, he attempted to make an emergency landing in an open area. However, before landing, the aircraft hit trees and crashed.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the aircraft had a usable fuel capacity of 38 gallons. It had been flown on a previous flight for approximately half an hour and was not refueled prior to this flight. The pilot's shoulder harness was found in a stowed position.