What happened
During a cross-country flight, the pilot encountered a low fuel state and decided to divert to a nearby airport for refueling. The initial attempt to land was unsuccessful, likely due to the challenging circumstances of the diversion. During the second approach, the aircraft's engine ceased operation entirely. Unable to maintain power, the pilot executed an emergency landing at the site. During the landing roll, the airplane sustained substantial damage to its structure.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system to determine the root cause of the engine failure. A thorough inspection was conducted to assess the remaining fuel quantity and the integrity of the fuel lines and tanks.
Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that only one and a half gallons of fuel could be drained from the entire fuel system. This minimal amount confirmed that the aircraft had effectively run out of usable fuel during the second approach attempt. The lack of fuel was the primary factor leading to the loss of engine power and the subsequent hard landing.
Safety message
Pilots are reminded to monitor fuel quantities closely during cross-country flights, especially when diverting to alternate airports. Ensuring adequate fuel reserves for contingencies is critical to preventing in-flight engine failures due to fuel exhaustion.