Incident Overview
A student pilot (the initiating pilot-in-command) chose to load minimal fuel for a planned flight to Columbia Airport in Columbia, California. A certified flight instructor (CFI), who was to occupy the left front seat, agreed to this decision.
Sequence of Events
While approaching Columbia, the initiating pilot attempted to contact the airport's UNICOM frequency but received no response. With the CFI's concurrence, the pilot diverted toward Calaveras County Airport. Again, attempts to contact the Calaveras County UNICOM were unsuccessful.
At that point, the CFI assumed command of the airplane and diverted toward Stockton. While approaching Stockton, the engine experienced a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The CFI chose to land in an open crop field. During the landing roll-out, the airplane collided with the soft terrain.
Final Outcome
The aircraft came to rest in the field. No further details regarding injuries or damage were specified in the source.