Incident Overview
A student pilot on a supervised solo cross-country flight experienced a fuel exhaustion event that resulted in an engine failure and forced landing. The flight had been diverted from its planned route after the pilot realized fuel consumption was exceeding preflight estimates.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, she recognized that the aircraft lacked sufficient fuel to reach the intended destination and initiated a diversion to an alternate landing site. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 2,000 feet mean sea level, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field.
Investigation Findings
An on-scene investigation determined that both fuel tanks were empty. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.
Pilot Recommendations
In the accident report's recommendation section, the pilot noted two key points: "(1) Things didn't go as planned: plan fuel stops for worst possible scenario, and (2) monitored more closely the time spent in the air instead of what the fuel gauges read."
Instructor's Perspective
The pilot's flight instructor stated that he assumed the pilot would refuel after the first leg of the flight. Reflecting on the incident, he acknowledged, "In hindsight, I should have been more specific about when and where the pilot should refuel."
Summary
The event underscores the critical importance of fuel management during flight, particularly for student pilots operating solo. Accurate fuel consumption planning and adherence to conservative fuel reserves are essential practices.