What happened
During a cross-country flight, the pilot communicated with air traffic control approximately twenty-two miles from the intended destination. The pilot indicated that he might be experiencing a fuel problem before reaching his destination. Shortly thereafter, during the landing approach phase, the engine ceased operation. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing in a wooded and swampy area.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed significant discrepancies regarding the fuel state. Only one gallon of fuel remained in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank was found to be ruptured. At the time of the incident, the fuel selector switch was positioned on the left tank.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was fuel exhaustion. The rupture of the right fuel tank likely prevented the transfer or availability of its contents, leaving only the minimal amount in the left tank insufficient for the approach and landing.