Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Total 2000; Flight Crew Type 1300
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft; Human Factors
I was inside of aircraft while being fueled by a single point fueling system. When gas gauge read full; I told the loader to stop fueling. Once fueled I departed from airport with 2 hours of fuel. As I attempted my Ag operations I experienced fuel starvation within 40 minutes of flight. I was able to safely land aircraft on highway with only slight wingtip damage from a road sign. I was able to get the aircraft off of the highway and escorted by local police to nearest farm house where I was able to refuel and make a safe take off. It was later determined that my gas gauge was giving false readings.
AgCat pilot reports departing with fuel gauge reading full; to run out of fuel 40 minutes into the flight. A safe landing on a highway ensues with minor damage to the aircraft. Fuel gauge was inaccurate.