Flight Planning
The pilot planned a 250 nautical mile trip at a cruise speed of 100 knots under no wind conditions, calculating a 5-hour fuel endurance with a 45-minute reserve. A VFR flight plan was filed, but the estimated time en route was not adjusted for a 44-knot headwind. During the flight, the pilot checked the fuel quantity 'once or twice' and did not recheck it when calling to extend the flight plan due to the headwind.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
While cruising at 3,000 feet, 3 to 5 miles from the destination airport, the engine sputtered. The pilot attempted the engine restart procedure, but the engine only windmilled and then stopped completely. The pilot stated, 'I ran out of fuel and had to set down in a field.' A forced landing was performed to a field. During the approach, the airplane 'clipped' light brush and the tops of small trees. The nose gear collapsed during the landing roll.
Post-Accident Examination
Less than 1 gallon of fuel was recovered from the airplane. The pilot reported 112 hours of total flight experience, of which 24 hours were in the accident make and model.