On August 16, 1998, a Mooney M-20F (registration N6411Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Rockhill, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion resulting in total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After flying to three airports without refueling, an airplane experienced total engine power loss in cruise. Switching tanks briefly restored power, but the engine quit again, resulting in a forced landing in a soybean field and collision with an embankment.
Incident Overview
A pilot flew to three airports without refueling. While in cruise flight to the destination airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, which caused the engine to restart. After climbing to a higher altitude, the engine quit again. A forced landing was made to a soybean field. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with an embankment.
Post-Accident Examination
Visual examination of the fuel tanks revealed no fuel. Fuel was added to the airplane after recovery. Subsequently, the engine started and developed power.
Conclusion
The available information indicates that fuel exhaustion was the cause of the total loss of engine power.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion resulting in total loss of engine power.