Preflight Inspection
The pilot conducted a preflight inspection and noted that the fuel gauges indicated 1/2 and 3/4 full, respectively. Based on this reading, the pilot estimated that sufficient fuel remained to reach the destination with 45 minutes of reserve. Consequently, the decision was made not to refuel the airplane before departure.
In-Flight Engine Failure
During the flight, the pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated empty. Shortly thereafter, the engine quit. No other anomalies were reported prior to the loss of engine power.
Landing and Examination
The pilot executed a forced landing in a bean field, aligning the airplane perpendicular to the plowed rows. After landing, both fuel tanks were examined and found to be empty. The Hobbs meter on the airplane recorded 3.6 hours of flight time since the last refueling.
Fuel Endurance Data
According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the airplane, the endurance at 3,000 feet MSL and 65% power setting with full fuel is 3.6 hours. The recorded flight time matched this endurance figure, indicating that the fuel supply had been fully consumed.