PA-25 Pawnee
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 52; Flight Crew Total 2575; Flight Crew Type 2250
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Human Factors
During Glider towing operations and with a glider on tow; the engine started running rough and then stopped completely. I signaled the glider to release and after release; made a 180 degree turn back to the airport. However there was not enough altitude to make it back and I landed in an open field with no damage and no injuries. The Glider returned to the field without damage and without injuries. I added 10 gallons of fuel and flew the aircraft the remaining 1/8 mile to the field and landed without damage or injuries.The problem was caused by me misjudging the fuel sight gauge and not counting the number of tows that had been accomplished on this tank. I departed without enough fuel to accomplish the complete tow and return with at least a 20 minute reserve.
PA-25 pilot reported fuel exhaustion and an off airport landing in an open field during glider tow operations.