Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he departed with 14 gallons of fuel. He added that he diverted to an airport 15 miles away from the destination airport due to ground fog and while enroute, about 2 hours and 25 minutes since departure the airplane engine "died from lack of gas". Subsequently, he landed off airport in a field.
The pilot further reported that he estimated the fuel tank had "maybe an 1/8 cup", and that a "tablespoon may be more accurate".
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA015