What happened
The incident occurred during a solo instructional cross country flight conducted by a student pilot. While en route, the aircraft's engine lost power unexpectedly. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency off-airport landing in a hay field. The landing was described as hard, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft and its fuel systems. The postaccident inspection revealed that there was no usable fuel remaining in either of the aircraft's fuel tanks. This finding confirmed that the engine had stopped due to a lack of fuel supply rather than a mechanical failure.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot acknowledged in his report to the NTSB that the incident could have been prevented if he had refueled at the departure airport before beginning the cross country flight. This oversight highlights the critical importance of preflight planning and fuel management for student pilots undertaking solo flights.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure adequate fuel reserves are available for the entire duration of a flight, including any potential diversions or delays. Refueling at the departure airport is essential when planning cross country flights to prevent fuel exhaustion.