FTW94LA264

The pilot experienced a complete power loss while at 1,800 feet AGL, about 8 miles short of his intended refueling stop. He subsequently attempted to execute a forced landing to a field. However, one wing struck a tree on short final and the airplane then impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks were empty and no fuel was found in the system. Additionally, evidence indicated that the fuel tank caps had been leaking. The leak rate was not determined, but would have been visible to the pilot.

On August 8, 1994, at 1215 central daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N4826R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Sherman, Texas. The airplane, owned and operated by Five Star Flying Inc., and flown by an ATP rated pilot, was on a ferry flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot was not injured.

According to the pilot, he was flying from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Decatur, Alabama. On this segment of the flight, he had departed Snyder, Texas, at 0921, en route to a planned refueling stop in Sherman. The pilot stated that while flying at 1,800 feet MSL, about 8 miles west of the Sherman Municipal Airport, the engine lost complete power without warning. He executed a forced landing to an open field; however, during the final approach the left wing struck a tree and then impacted the ground. Examination of the wreckage revealed that there was no fuel in the tanks. It also revealed evidence that the fuel tank caps had been leaking and the corresponding stains on the wings were indicative of the use of automotive fuel. The leak rate was not determined. However, a post-accident interview, the pilot stated that he had refueled with 100LL aviation gasoline in Snyder. The pilot and the operator failed to return the Pilot/Operator Report of Aircraft Accident during the investigation.