CHI95LA297

The pilot reported that prior to departure he obtained a full weather briefing and performed a full preflight. He was informed that the airplane had flown for approximately 1/2 hour the night before. The pilot stated the fuel tanks appeared virtually full and the fuel gauges read FULL. Since the tanks appeared 'just about full,' he decided not to have the tanks topped off prior to departure. Approximately 2 hours into the flight, the visibility deteriorated. The pilot decided to turn around and go back to his departure airport. Approximately 17 miles from his destination, the airplane's engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing on a field. The airplane impacted trees and became inverted. Postaccident examination found no fuel in the fuel tanks, fuel lines, or carburetor. No fuel stains were observed.

On August 26, 1995, at 1138 eastern daylight time (edt), a Cessna 172N, N738CL, registered to Linda Leasing Co., of Troy, Michigan, and operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot and three passengers reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Troy, Michigan, at 0800 edt, with an intended destination of Mackinac Island, Michigan.

In a detailed written statement, the pilot reported that prior to departing Oakland/Troy Airport he obtained a full weather briefing and performed a full preflight. During the preflight, the pilot was informed that the airplane had flown for approximately one-half hour the night before. He stated the fuel tanks, upon his visual inspection, appeared virtually full and the fuel gauges read FULL. The pilot stated that since the tanks appeared "just about full," he decided not to have the tanks topped off prior to departure.

The pilot stated he departed en route to Mackinac Island. The estimated time en route was five hours with one planned fuel stop. The pilot reported that approximately 40 miles south of Mackinac Island, the visibility deteriorated. He decided the weather was not safe enough to continue, so he turned the airplane to divert back to Troy.

Approximately 17 miles northwest of his destination, the airplane's engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot made a forced landing on a field. The airplane impacted trees which lined the field's perimeter and became inverted.

Postaccident examination found no fuel in the fuel tanks, fuel lines, or carburetor. No fuel stains were observed. The pilot stated to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that he felt the airplane ran out of fuel.