Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss During Local Flight (N49142)

Incident Overview and Flight Profile A student pilot was returning to the airport after completing a one-hour local flight. During the return leg, the pilot reported that the engine sputtered and subsequently lost power. In response, the pilot selected a field for a forced landing and approached the field from west to east. The aircraft struck a road before reaching the field, causing the nose gear to be sheared off. The airplane then skidded into a corn field and came to rest nose down, facing west. ## Post-Accident Fuel Findings A post-accident inspection conducted by an FAA inspector revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right fuel tank contained three-quarters of a gallon. A fuel sample was tested and showed no contamination. The pilot stated that he estimated both tanks were half full at the time of takeoff. In his report, the pilot reported that there were three gallons of fuel on board at takeoff.