Sequence of Events
Prior to departure, the pilot requested fuel be added to the airplane until it reached "two inches below the filler neck." He reported concern with the weight and balance of the airplane and therefore did not want to fill the tanks to full. The pilot departed and flew at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 feet with a power setting of 2,500 rpm. While on final approach to the destination airport, the engine "ran rough and sputtered," then lost power. The pilot declared an emergency and reported to air traffic controllers that he was "out of fuel." He subsequently attempted to restart the engine without success and performed a forced landing to a field.
Post-Landing Observations
Upon arrival at the scene, a State Police Trooper observed no fuel in either fuel tank. The pilot stated to the trooper that he "ran out of fuel."
Fuel Information
A review of the fuel log from the departure airport revealed the airplane was fueled with 14.2 gallons of fuel prior to the pilot's departure. According to the Cessna 172N Pilot Operating Handbook, the airplane's engine consumes approximately 8.4 gallons per hour at an altitude of 2,000 feet and a power setting of 2,500 rpm.