CHI96LA013

The private pilot reported, while approximately seven miles from his destination airport, the airplane lost all engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot made a forced landing on a field. While landing, the airplane's nose wheel collapsed. The pilot stated that he had been monitoring the fuel gauges and believed that he had one hour and thirty minutes of fuel remaining. The pilot stated that he had not made a visual inspection of the fuel tanks prior to his departure. He stated that he had only checked the fuel quantity gauges during his preflight.

On October 18, 1995, at 2015 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 150, N17382, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and subsequent forced landing in Peosta, Iowa. The private pilot reported no injuries.

The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight had departed Waukon, Iowa, at 1925 cdt, with an intended destination of Dubuque, Iowa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was on file.

The pilot reported that he had departed Dubuque Regional Airport, flew to Waukon Municipal Airport, and was returning to Dubuque when the loss of engine power occurred. Prior to his departure from Dubuque, the pilot stated that he performed had a preflight and walk around inspection of the airplane. "I then determined by the fuel gauges that I had 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes of flight time. This was sufficient fuel to make my 1 hour and 45 minute flight, with a 45 minute reserve," the pilot stated.

After landing at Waukon Municipal Airport, the pilot stated that he back taxied for takeoff and rechecked the fuel gauges. He had determined by looking at the gauges that there was still two hours of flight time remaining. The pilot then tookoff and headed back to Dubuque. While approximately seven miles from the airport, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he immediately checked all gauges, but was unable to determine any problem. "I still registered 1 hour and 30 minutes of fuel," the pilot stated. Realizing that he would not be able to make it to the airport, the pilot selected a field to make a forced landing.

The pilot stated that the airplane touched down on its left landing gear and nose wheel. The nose wheel collapsed before the airplane came to rest.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he had not made a visual inspection of the fuel tanks prior to departure because it was dark out and he did not have a light with him. The pilot stated that he normally does make a visual inspection, but he did not this time.