What happened
The aircraft was conducting an approach to Phillipsburg when the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated a forced landing procedure and touched down in a nearby field.
Following the incident, the pilot contacted the Ohio State Police to report the event. He stated that he had been operating the aircraft using fuel from the left tank during the flight and believed that this tank contained approximately half of its total capacity at the time of the power loss.
The investigation
Upon arrival at the accident site, investigators and other witnesses conducted a physical examination of the aircraft's fuel system. They discovered a discrepancy between the pilot's report and the actual state of the fuel tanks.
The right fuel tank was found to be completely empty. In contrast, the left fuel tank was full. This finding indicated that despite the pilot's belief that he was using the left tank, the engine had drawn its remaining supply from the right tank until it was exhausted.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the depletion of usable fuel. The aircraft ran out of fuel due to the pilot's failure to monitor the fuel quantity accurately and his selection of an empty tank for engine operation. The physical evidence confirmed that the left tank, which the pilot believed was in use, still contained ample fuel.
Safety message
Pilots must verify fuel quantities visually or via gauges before and during flight. Relying solely on memory or estimated consumption can lead to critical errors in fuel management. Always confirm which tank is selected and ensure that the active tank contains sufficient fuel for the duration of the flight.