Flight Details
The pilot reported operating the airplane under visual flight rules at night. Prior to departure from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) in Denver, Colorado, at approximately 1825 mountain standard time, the pilot estimated the fuel load at 30 to 32 gallons. During the flight, intermittent electrical issues occurred, including static in headsets, flickering instrument panel lights, and a fluctuating ammeter gauge. Attempts to resolve the electrical problems were unsuccessful.
Flight Sequence
A touch-and-go landing was performed at Kit Carson Airport (ITR) in Burlington, Colorado. After this, the decision was made to shorten the flight and return to BJC. The pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated about 8 gallons remaining in each fuel tank at that time. Approximately 20 minutes after departing ITR, the fuel gauges showed empty. At around 2035 mst, the engine lost power. The pilot switched to the opposite fuel tank, and the engine restarted. After 4 to 5 minutes of continued flight, the engine again lost power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck wires and then impacted the ground.
Fuel Management
Both the pilot and the flight instructor stated that the pre-departure fuel load should have been sufficient for about 3 hours of flight. The total duration of the accident flight was approximately 2.25 hours. Post-accident examination revealed no fuel remaining in either wing tank. There was no evidence of a fuel spill, and no pre-impact anomalies were found in the airplane's fuel system. The airplane was equipped with electrically powered fuel level gauges and electrical fuel level sending units. Federal Aviation Administration regulations for night visual flight require sufficient fuel to reach the first intended landing point plus an additional 45 minutes.
Pilot Comments
The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by ordering more fuel prior to departure or by obtaining fuel at ITR.