Accident Details
A private pilot was conducting a cross-country flight in preparation for a commercial certificate. While over Cincinnati, the pilot checked the fuel quantity and determined that 10 gallons remained, which was considered sufficient to complete the flight. However, approximately 10 miles from the destination, the pilot notified air traffic control (ATC) of a low fuel condition and requested vectors to a closer airport. ATC vectored the aircraft to a turf airstrip.
Approach and Landing
The pilot was unable to determine the runway orientation and landed to the east on runway 07. The pilot reported that the runway surface was uneven. After touchdown, the pilot applied hard braking in an attempt to stop the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently entered an area of soft terrain, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Flight Planning and Fuel Management
The aircraft had a total usable fuel capacity of 24.5 gallons. The pilot had been informed by her instructor to land at Cincinnati if the fuel level was at half or less. Additionally, the school's requirements stipulated that flights should land with one hour of fuel remaining.