What happened
The pilot reported that the rental airplane had flown for 2.5 hours since its previous refueling to full tanks. After this flight, the pilot added 4.5 gallons of fuel to the aircraft. Following this refueling, the pilot operated the airplane for an additional 2.7 hours. During this period, the flight included three takeoffs and two landings. Eventually, the engine lost power while the aircraft was in flight.
The pilot attempted a forced landing but struck a pecan tree during the descent. The impact with the tree resulted in damage to the airplane.
The investigation
Postcrash examination of the aircraft revealed critical findings regarding the fuel system. Investigators found no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. Additionally, very little fuel had leaked out of the gascolator after the crash occurred. These physical findings were consistent with the pilot's account of flying for an extended period after refueling.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The aircraft had been flown for a total duration that exceeded its available fuel supply, despite the recent refueling event. The lack of fuel in both the tanks and the gascolator confirmed that the engine stopped due to a lack of fuel rather than mechanical failure.