Flight Planning
The pilot obtained a standard preflight weather briefing from Lockheed Martin Automated Flight Service Station and also used the Data Transformation Corporation (DTC) direct user access terminal (DUAT) before departure. The "DUAT.COM Flight Planner" estimated a flight duration of 2 hours 59 minutes and fuel consumption of 29.3 gallons, based on pilot-input performance parameters and winds aloft forecasts. The pilot's historical fuel consumption experience was 10.0 gallons per hour.
Departure and Flight
The pilot reported departing with 34 gallons of usable fuel on board. Based on a witness account, departure occurred at 1215. After takeoff, the pilot obtained visual flight rules (VFR) flight following and proceeded toward the destination airport.
Emergency
At 1522:48, approximately 3 hours 7 minutes after takeoff, the pilot advised the controller, "mayday uh four two romeo's uh out of fuel." The controller offered an alternate airport, but the pilot indicated she could not land there. She stated she maneuvered the airplane toward a field and, during descent, heard the sound of tree contact; she recalled nothing further.
Wreckage and Fuel Examination
Inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left wing had separated from the aircraft. No fuel was found in either main fuel tank, and there was no evidence of leakage from the fuel filler caps or sump drains. A total of 1.5 ounces of fuel was drained from the carburetor bowl. Examination of the engine showed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.