Accident Details
The aircraft, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2409F), was part of a group of three PA-38s traveling from Venice, Florida, to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The lead aircraft was flown by a certified flight instructor (CFI), while the other two, including N2409F, were piloted by newly certificated private pilots. The pilot of N2409F had received his certificate the previous day.
Flight Planning and Refueling
According to the pilot of N2409F, flight planning was conducted by the CFI. The en route flight proceeded without incident, except that the first refueling stop occurred earlier than planned because the aircraft were low on fuel. A second refueling stop was made at Summerville; however, upon landing, the fuel service there was closed. At that point, each aircraft reportedly had 4 gallons of fuel remaining. The CFI determined they had enough fuel to reach Charleston, located 40 miles away.
Forced Landing
The group took off from Summerville. According to the pilot of N2409F, about 14 miles south of Charleston, his aircraft ran out of fuel. He executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft collided with trees.
Outcome
Neither the pilot's condition nor any injuries were reported in the source. The other two aircraft successfully reached Charleston and were refueled with more than 30 gallons of fuel each. The fuel capacity of the PA-38 is 32 gallons, with 30 gallons usable.