Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing and Aircraft Damage

Accident Sequence

A pilot reported that during a preflight inspection, he believed both fuel tanks were full. Based on previous flights, full tanks provided approximately five hours of endurance. About four hours after departure, the pilot observed low fuel quantity on cockpit gauges but continued toward the planned destination. Several minutes later, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane impacted a power line and nosed over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Postaccident Findings

Examination after the accident revealed that the airplane's fuel tanks contained no usable fuel. The pilot later stated that he should have landed earlier to refuel. He also discovered that a co-owner had not filled the fuel tanks after the previous flight, contrary to his expectation.