Accident Summary
An aircraft was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a complete loss of engine power caused by fuel exhaustion. The incident occurred while the pilot was returning to her original departure point during a solo cross-country flight. The aircraft impacted terrain after the engine lost power a second time.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that she became slightly disoriented during the flight. While cruising at approximately 2,300 feet above sea level (MSL), the engine began to sputter and subsequently stopped producing power. She applied carburetor heat and prepared for a forced landing. During the descent, the engine briefly regained power, though the pilot was uncertain whether the aircraft climbed or simply leveled off. She turned right to avoid a tree line, but the engine lost power again, and the aircraft struck the ground during the turn. The pilot reported no issues with the aircraft or engine prior to the power loss.
Fuel Analysis
After the accident, 1-3/4 gallons of fuel were recovered from the aircraft. The aircraft owner's manual lists the unusable fuel quantity as 3-1/2 gallons. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Incident Report, the pilot believed the aircraft ran out of fuel and attempted an emergency landing.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's logbook showed a total flight time of 29.8 hours, with 1.0 hour of solo flight time and 5 solo landings recorded.