LAX94LA380

The pilot reported that he should have refueled prior to taking off for the cross-country flight. En route, he observed the fuel tank sight gages and believed they indicated over 2 hours of fuel remained. After flying for 2.2 hours, fuel exhaustion occurred. The pilot made a forced landing on a dirt road and, during the roll-out, the airplane collided with brush and nosed over. The pilot further reported that he had built the airplane, and the fuel consumption rate was higher than expected. He stated that he had been 'overly enthused' with the airplane and engine's performance.

On September 12, 1994, at 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Singer Kitfox IV, N93CM, owned and operated by the pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight near Apple Valley, California. The pilot made a forced landing on a dirt road. During rollout, the airplane collided with brush and nosed over. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight which originated from Bullhead City, Arizona, at 0745.

In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1, he reported that while cruising en route he observed the fuel gages (sight tubes). He believed they indicated over 2 hours of fuel remained in the tanks. The pilot further reported that he continued flying and after about 2.2 hours the engine stopped. He then made the forced landing.

The pilot further stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures occurred. In pertinent part, the pilot made the following statement in response to the question "How could this accident have been prevented?

"I believed the fuel consumption rate was 3.5 gallons per hour. Obviously, the rate was higher in cross-country cruise. I should have refueled at Bullhead City. As the builder/pilot, I was overly enthused with (the anticipated) aircraft and engine performance."