N4276E

On February 8, 2000, at 0730 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N4276E, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Alma, Michigan. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported minor injuries. The airplane departed the Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) near Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, about 0505 and was en route to the Gratiot Community Airport (AMN) near Alma Michigan.

In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the pilot stated that he had flown the aircraft from AMN to CIU on the previous day and did not refuel the aircraft prior to the accident flight. According to the FAA inspector's written statement, the pilot estimated the round trip distance to be about 425 miles, the cruise speed to be 100 miles per hour, and the aircraft fuel consumption to be 7.5 to 8.5 gallons per hour. According to the FAA inspector's written statement, "In calculating his (the pilot's) fuel consumption he (the pilot) determined that he (the pilot) would not have had enough fuel."

In his written statement, the pilot said that he executed the forced landing in a snow-covered field and the airplane nosed over after striking a fence line. He also said that he "did not plan total fuel for flight and pre flight warm up."

On scene examination of the aircraft revealed no preexisting anomalies with respect to the aircraft, it's engine or systems. No fuel was found in the line from the mechanical fuel pump to the carburetor. No fuel was found in any of the fuel tanks. There were no fuel stains on the ground surrounding the aircraft.