Flight and Weather Encounters
A student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight when she encountered adverse weather, preventing her from landing at the planned destination. After a period of time, she landed at an alternate airport. On the return flight to the home airport, she again encountered adverse weather. During her second diversionary action, the airplane's engine quit due to fuel exhaustion.
Fuel Management and Training
The total flying time for the day's activity was 3.0 hours. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the airplane's hourly range is approximately 4.2 hours. The airplane is part of a manufacturer's service letter that emphasizes the need to lean the fuel mixture while in flight. The student pilot had not leaned the mixture properly and was not trained to do so.
Forced Landing and Damage
The subsequent forced landing occurred on a downward sloping, tiered pasture. The landing destroyed the airplane.