Incident Details
The solo student pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when the airplane's engine began to "sputter" and subsequently ceased operation. The pilot executed an off-airport forced landing, during which the aircraft impacted a ravine. According to the student pilot, prior to the loss of engine power, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Damage
The forced landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Specifically, the engine mount sustained substantial damage. The extent of damage to other components was not reported.
Fuel Examination
Following the accident, the airplane recovery specialist drained approximately two gallons of fuel from the aircraft's fuel tanks before moving the airplane. According to the manufacturer, the airplane has three gallons of unusable fuel. The fuel quantity at the time of the incident was not specified.
Pilot's Recommendation
As a safety recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have visually inspected the fuel with a fuel hawk dipstick.