Incident Overview
A private pilot reported that he took off with both fuel tank gauges showing half full. However, he did not visually inspect the fuel tanks for fuel prior to the flight. During the descent for landing, the engine lost power. The pilot set up for a forced landing in a cotton field. While attempting to align the aircraft with the plowed rows, the airplane stalled about 10 feet above ground level and collided with the ground.
Post-Inspection Findings
An inspection of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel tank was empty. The right fuel tank was selected in the cockpit, and the fuel sump was empty. No other information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage, time of day, weather, or ATC involvement.
Key Facts
- The pilot relied solely on fuel gauges showing half full for both tanks.
- No visual inspection of fuel tanks was performed before departure.
- Engine power was lost during the landing descent.
- The forced landing site was a cotton field with plowed rows.
- The aircraft stalled approximately 10 feet AGL during alignment.
- Post-accident inspection confirmed the right fuel tank and fuel sump were empty.