What happened
A student pilot enrolled in an FAA-approved Part 141 school planned to execute a solo cross-country flight beginning at 1415 PDT. The intended route was a 3.3-hour round-robin trip visiting Laughlin, Parker, Blyles, and Palm Springs before returning to Big Bear City. Although the departure was scheduled for 1415, the pilot did not depart until 1505.
At 1927, the pilot landed at Palm Springs to refuel. After purchasing 10 gallons of fuel for the 32-mile return trip, the pilot took off again at 1950. During the flight, light conditions transitioned to darkness. The pilot lacked night flying experience and was unable to operate the radio or turn on the cabin lights.
After approximately 2.5 hours of westbound flight and covering about 100 miles, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a street, which resulted in a head-on collision with an automobile. The driver of the automobile sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was seriously injured.