What happened
The owner of the aircraft stated that he had "topped the tanks" after the previous flight. The pilot of this flight said that he did not visually check the fuel before takeoff. During flight, the right fuel gauge continued to indicate full. About 15 miles from Elko, the engine began losing power. At that time, the left fuel gauge indicated 1/4 full and the right gauge still indicated full. The pilot was unable to restart the engine by using either tank. The plane was damaged during a forced landing on a road.
The investigation
An inspection revealed no fuel in the fuel tanks. With the master switch on, the left fuel gauge indicated empty and the right gauge indicated full. Fuel stains were found on the tops of both wings. A pressure check revealed extensive leakage from the left wing. The left wing fuel cap pliable seal was found to be dried out.