Flight Overview
An instructional round-robin instrument flight rules (IFR) flight experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The flight had cancelled IFR on its final leg. The pilot-in-command instructor exchanged seats with a rated passenger pilot who had been occupying the right rear seat.
Pilot Change and Flight Details
After 3.5 hours of elapsed flight time, the rated pilot under instruction became the pilot-in-command (PIC) and continued simulated instrument flying. The rated passenger acted as a safety pilot. Fuel planning had been conducted by both pilots.
Fuel Exhaustion and Forced Landing
The engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane collided with a cow. Total flight time was 4.3 hours.
Refueling and Fuel Indicators
During the round-robin flight, the aircraft landed at Corsicana, Texas, but no fuel was purchased. In the vicinity of Texarkana, Texas, the fuel gauges indicated about 5 gallons each as the flight initiated its final leg to its home airport. Fuel exhaustion occurred approximately 10 miles short of the destination.