Accident Details
The pilot of a weight-shift control aircraft reported that the flight departed with 6 gallons of fuel, with an estimated fuel burn of 3 gallons per hour. During the flight, the aircraft performed multiple climbs and descents, and the pilot believed the aircraft burned more fuel than usual.
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes into the flight, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot restarted the engine momentarily, but it lost power again. Subsequent restart attempts were unsuccessful.
Pilot Actions and Forced Landing
During the forced landing, the pilot attempted to land on a soccer field. However, the aircraft impacted terrain about 15 yards short of the intended landing site.
After the accident, the pilot visited the hospital and later returned to the aircraft. Upon inspection, no fuel was observed in the fuel tank.
Damage and Aftermath
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift control aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.