Event Description
A private pilot was operating a trike during cruise flight at an altitude of approximately 800 ft above ground level when the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He then initiated a forced landing in the open desert. During the landing roll, the trike struck a large boulder, causing substantial damage to the forward upright wing support tubes.
Pilot Report
After the accident, the pilot examined the trike and discovered that the fuel tank was empty. He reported that the trike was not equipped with a fuel quantity gauge; the only way to verify the fuel level was by visually inspecting the tank. The pilot believed he had a full tank of fuel prior to takeoff. He stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the trike that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Details
The trike is a lightweight weight-shift control aircraft. The absence of a fuel quantity gauge required the pilot to visually check the fuel level. The pilot's preflight assessment indicated a full tank, but post-accident inspection confirmed fuel exhaustion.