Incident Overview
An agricultural pilot was returning from a spare parts run when the aircraft experienced a fuel exhaustion event. The pilot had not obtained a weather briefing prior to departure. Before takeoff, he estimated the fuel on board to be approximately 22 gallons, which he considered sufficient for the 45-mile flight.
En Route Events
During the flight, the pilot encountered developing thunderstorm activity and altered course to the west to avoid the storms. While deviating around the thunderstorm, the aircraft consumed its available fuel supply.
Forced Landing and Impact
With the engine no longer receiving fuel, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby pasture. During the landing, the airplane collided with a tree, which resulted in damage to the airframe.
Findings
The sequence of events began with the absence of a preflight weather briefing. The estimated fuel quantity was adequate only for the direct route, but the deviation to avoid thunderstorms increased the flight distance and fuel consumption beyond the available supply. The subsequent fuel exhaustion left the pilot with no option but to land in an unprepared area, where a tree was present.