Introduction
A pilot and two passengers were on a cross-country flight when the aircraft's engine failed entirely. The pilot had made this same trip on multiple occasions with a comparable amount of fuel. The incident concluded with an emergency landing in a soft field, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.
Sequence of Events
The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was still 12 miles from its planned destination. Air traffic control provided vectors to the nearest airfield. Despite this guidance, the pilot chose to land in a soft field approximately 1.5 miles from that airfield. Upon landing, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and the two passengers were uninjured.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system. The right fuel tank was found to be empty. Draining the left tank yielded only about one pint of fuel. The total fuel remaining on board was insufficient for continued flight.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he had completed the same cross-country trip several times before with the same amount of fuel that was present at takeoff. Based on his prior experience, he had not expected fuel exhaustion to occur.