Accident Overview
A pilot departed Green Bay approximately 0900 hours with an intended destination of Beatrice, Nebraska. After encountering instrument flight rules (IFR) weather conditions and higher than expected fuel consumption, the pilot changed the destination to Lincoln, Nebraska.
Flight Details
At 1345 hours, after 4 hours and 45 minutes of flight, the engine sputtered. The airplane subsequently struck a ditch during the forced landing.
Post-Accident Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of useable fuel in the aircraft fuel system, and no evidence of fuel spillage. The pilot reported planning the flight based on a range of 8.0 hours, using 51% power at 7,500 feet. He suspected bad fuel cap seals resulted in fuel siphoning from the tanks during flight. However, the FAA inspector stated that although there were stains aft of the fuel caps, they appeared to be old stains. Examination of the fuel seals revealed they appeared to be in good condition.