NTSB Factual Report

On February 4, 2005, about 1350 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 182G, N3127S, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power followed by an off airport forced landing to a field located about 2 miles northeast of Roberts Field, Redmond, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The aircraft departed from Walla Walla, Washington, about one hour and thirty minutes prior to the accident.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that he departed from Walla Walla with about 30 gallons of fuel on board and about 2.5 hours of expected flying time. While en route, the aircraft encountered higher than expected headwinds near Lexington, Oregon. The pilot noted clouds building up over the terrain east of Madras, Oregon, the flights destination and diverted to the south towards Redmond. The pilot reported that he was getting low on fuel and selected the right side fuel tank which was the lowest on fuel The pilot stated that when the needle indicated "no sloshing", he noted the time. Five minutes later the EGT indicated exhaustion of fuel in that tank and the engine began to faulter. The pilot then switched to the left fuel tank. When about three minutes from Redmond, the EGT rose followed by the loss of engine power. The pilot executed an off airport forced landing to a clearing where during the landing roll, the aircraft collided with trees.

Post accident inspection of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Hillsboro, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office reported that very little fuel was found in the fuel tanks.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of power. Trees were factors.