Flight and Incident
The flight originated from Bloomsburg Municipal Airport in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, with a final destination of Outlaw Field in Clarksville, Tennessee, covering a distance of 570 nautical miles. According to the pilot, a few miles from the destination, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power, forcing an emergency landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the incident, an examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies. The right fuel tank was found empty, and the left fuel tank contained approximately one inch of fuel when measured. The pilot reported that roughly 48 gallons of fuel were on board prior to takeoff.
Pilot's Account
The pilot acknowledged making fundamental errors in fuel calculation, misjudging the flight distance, and overlooking the time zone change. He stated that his most serious mistake was refusing to believe that he had run out of fuel. These admissions indicate that the power loss resulted from fuel exhaustion due to inadequate fuel planning.
Probable Cause
The pilot's fuel calculation errors and failure to recognize fuel exhaustion.