What happened
The pilot departed Gallatin, Tennessee, at 0625 central daylight time with 60 gallons of fuel onboard. After climbing to 9,000 feet, the flight lasted 3 hours and 30 minutes. The pilot reported leaning the mixture and observing fuel flows between 10.5 and 11 gallons per hour, noting that fuel quantity remained above 20 gallons throughout the flight.
Upon reaching the destination airport, the pilot overflew the field to observe winds and flew approximately 6 miles south before returning for landing. During the approach, while turning to base with 30 degrees of flaps, the engine ceased operating. The pilot attempted to avoid trees and utility wires by selecting 40 degrees of flaps in an attempt to balloon over the wires; however, the Cessna (type not explicitly named but implied as the aircraft) stalled and impacted the ground.
A witness observed the aircraft on downwind rocking its wings and noted that the propeller had stopped rotating. The witness further observed the aircraft appearing to stretch its glide before stalling and descending near the runway.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the scene and found no evidence of fuel spillage. Upon inspection of the aircraft, approximately 2 gallons of fuel remained in the left tank, while the right tank was empty. A detailed examination of the airframe and engine conducted on March 10, 2006, revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions.
The aircraft was equipped with a Texas Skyways Incorporated conversion O-520-U/TS engine. A technician from Texas Skyways informed investigators that they do not publish endurance documentation due to the variability in fuel consumption across different engine models. The technician estimated that at full power without leaning, fuel consumption could be approximately 23 gallons per hour, and roughly 18 gallons per hour during climb with adjustments. At 9,000 feet, cruise consumption was estimated at about 14 gallons per hour.