Any Unknown or Unlisted Aircraft Manufacturer
Flight Crew Private
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was pilot in command no passengers 7NM South of ZZZ on a pleasure flight. I took off ZZZ; stayed in pattern for two touch and go's; then I left area going south climbing to 10;000 ft msl. Just north of the airport; monitoring fuel gauge Left tank 1/8- RT ¼ Engine stalled. Went through Restart procedure - No help. Set up best glide took landing ZZZ. Made Radio Call to ZZZ midfield advised condition. Received communication from Helicopter in area advise of wind. Made landing on Runway 26; 260 [degrees]; 14 mph crosswind. Airplane recently bought; owned for about 1 month. Never had low tank levels before; gauges not accurate. A proper preflight inspection was done check fuel level with stick before flight showed ½ tank; 8 L side/ 8 R sideDuring flight practiced maneuvers S turns; slow flight; circle over fixed object; power off stall/power on stall. Was about to start return flight when power stopped. Set up best glide made radio call to ZZZ; made landing. Refueled tied down plane. Received ground instruction from other pilots.Corrective education. I have now installed a digital clock and will wear a wrist watch; timing fuel burn for 8 gal per hour. And I am planning to have gauges check and fixed by Aircraft mechanic.
Private Pilot experiences engine failure after 2 hours of flight with the fuel gauges showing 1/8 on the left and 1/4 on the right. The engine cannot be restarted but the reporter is able glide to the departure airport. The reporter had recently purchased the aircraft and had departed with 8 gallons in each wing as measured with a dipstick; but was not aware of the fuel consumption rate.