Flight History
A student pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight from Waco, Texas, to the Angelina Airport near Lufkin, Texas. During the flight, she became disoriented. She located and identified the town of Buffalo, confirmed fuel on board, and continued east towards Lufkin. As she neared Lufkin, she again became disoriented. She flew past the Angelina Airport without seeing it. She did not use the Lufkin VORTAC to help locate the airport.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
The engine lost power approximately 16 nautical miles northeast of the Angelina Airport, about 3 hours and 26 minutes after takeoff. During a forced landing to a small field, the aircraft struck some trees and came to a stop on its nose.
Examination and Engine Test
Examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed no evidence of fuel. The pilot reported that she "ran out of fuel." A test run of the engine was accomplished on July 17, 1997. With the throttle full open, the indicated rpm was 2,350. A magneto check was performed, and the rpm drop on both the left and right magnetos was 75 rpm.