Fuel Exhaustion During Cross-Country Flight (N7177W)

Flight Details and Incident Overview The aircraft departed on a cross-country flight with full fuel tanks. The pilot had planned for a four-hour flight. After approximately two and a half hours, the pilot observed that the fuel gauges appeared unusually low. In response, the pilot diverted to an airport. Approximately one-half hour later, while about two nautical miles from the selected airport, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. ## Post-Flight Findings Following the incident, an inspection revealed evidence of slight fuel leakage at the carburetor fuel inlet fitting. A pinhole leak was found in the fuel primer line, and a very slight fuel stain was observed emanating from the left wing fuel cap. There was no evidence of faulty fuel gauges at low fuel levels. ## Navigation and Airport Selection A review of the local sectional aeronautical chart indicated that the pilot selected an airport that was ahead and along the intended route. However, numerous other airports were closer and could have been selected, although they were not along the intended route.