Forced Landing After Fuel Exhaustion During Cross-Country Flight (N49014)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A pilot departed on an estimated 2.5-hour cross-country flight. During the flight, the pilot calculated that the aircraft would have more than an hour of fuel remaining after the trip and elected to fly an additional 0.75 hours. While returning to the departure airport, the aircraft experienced a partial power loss, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing during which the aircraft's left wing struck a telephone pole and the empennage contacted a fence. ## Investigation Findings and Fuel Analysis Examination of the wreckage revealed no fuel in the aircraft's left fuel tank and approximately 0.5 gallons remaining in the right fuel tank. After fuel was supplied to the engine fuel lines, the engine started and performed satisfactorily. A review of the aircraft's rental log and Hobbs meter indicated the aircraft had been operated for 3.4 hours. According to the Airplane Operating Manual, the aircraft's total fuel capacity was 26 gallons, of which 1.5 gallons were unusable. Additionally, the aircraft's endurance chart indicated approximately 3.4 hours of endurance at 75 percent power.