NTSB Factual Report

On October 18, 2002, about 1512 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182B, N2718G, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power in cruise flight near Hartwood, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local maintenance flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the Virginia State Police, the pilot reported that he departed Hartwood Airport (8W8), Somerville, Virginia, with "2 inches" of fuel in each tank. The pilot flew over the local area for approximately 1 hour, before the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field.

In a subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that he had departed 8W8 with 23 gallons of fuel, with the intention of conducting a 1 hour maintenance flight. The pilot further stated that prior to the flight, the sparkplugs were changed, and some minor adjustments were made to the engine. According to the tachometer, after 1 hour, while descending toward 8W8, the engine lost all power. The pilot established a best glide speed of 70-75 mph, and moved the fuel selector through its entire range, with no change in engine performance. The power loss occurred about 2,500 feet msl, over a wooded area. The pilot did not think he could glide the airplane to 8W8, and attempted to land in a field. During the landing, the airplane stuck a tree at the approach end of the field. It then came to rest in the field, at an approximate 80 degree nose down attitude.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that their was no fuel in either fuel tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.