Engine Power Loss and Nose-Over During Forced Landing After Cross-Country Flight (N5117N)

Accident Overview

The aircraft was inbound for landing after completing a cross-country flight when it lost engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft nosed over. Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical discrepancies with the aircraft.

Pilot Actions and Fuel Management

The pilot had flown several legs before the accident flight and did not refuel at any en route stops. He provided a statement that included departure and arrival times and fuel on board for each of four legs. For the final 42-mile return flight, he stated that he used a calibrated dipstick to check fuel and found 19 gallons remaining. The aircraft's unusable fuel was 4 gallons.

Investigation Findings

Both wing tanks were found empty, and no fuel was present in the gascolator. An inquiry to a Civil Air Patrol safety officer revealed that the dipstick was homemade; its accuracy was not determined. There was evidence that the pilot gave inadequate consideration to the accuracy of the dipstick calibration and that the aircraft may not have been in a level attitude when the dipstick readings were made.