What happened
The incident occurred during a solo cross-country flight conducted by a student pilot. While navigating the route, the pilot reported becoming lost and disoriented. As the situation progressed, the aircraft engine experienced a loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot initiated an emergency landing on a snow-covered farm field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a fence before overturning.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tanks were completely empty of usable fuel. To determine if the engine failure was mechanical, a run-up test was performed on the ground after the accident. This test was conducted satisfactorily, indicating that the engine itself was functioning correctly prior to the fuel depletion.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot's disorientation likely contributed to the failure to monitor fuel levels adequately during the solo flight. The student pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. No specific injury counts were provided in the source text, but the nature of the nose-over suggests potential for injury.
Safety message
Pilots conducting cross-country flights must diligently monitor fuel consumption and remain aware of their position relative to planned waypoints and alternate landing sites. Proper pre-flight planning and in-flight navigation are critical to preventing fuel exhaustion.