CEN19LA153

The pilot and passenger were conducting a cross-country flight following the airplane's annual inspection. During cruise flight, the flight experienced higher-than-forecast wind and the pilot was concerned about fuel quantity, so he diverted to a nearby airport. During the diversion, the engine lost power and the airplane was substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. An examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; therefore, the loss of engine power is consistent with fuel exhaustion.

On May 25, 2019, about 1335 central daylight time, a Champion 8KCAB airplane, N68557, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Fredericksburg, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight. The cross-country flight originated from Aero Country Airport (T31), McKinney, Texas, about 1105, and was en route to Boerne Stage Field Airport (5C1), San Antonio, Texas. The pilot stated that the annual inspection had just been completed on the airplane. After the completion of the maintenance, the pilot flew a test flight and stated that there were no issues or anomalies with the airplane during that flight. The pilot estimated his flight time to 5C1 at 2.5 hours and stated that the airplane had 30 gallons of fuel at the time of takeoff. The pilot reported that during cruise flight, they experienced higher-than-forecast wind and he was concerned about his fuel quantity. He diverted towards Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, Texas, and shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. During the forced landing the airplane collided with tree stumps and nosed over. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. An examination of the engine, and fuel system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would preclude normal operations. In addition, the pilot stated that there were no suspected mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine.