Circumstances of the Flight
The pilot was ferrying a newly purchased aircraft from Hayti, Missouri, to Exira, Iowa. During an en route stop at Piedmont, Missouri, he was unable to purchase fuel because no one was at the airport. He decided to continue to Salem, Missouri, to obtain fuel.
Fuel Management
As the pilot approached his intended destination, the low fuel quantity light illuminated. He did not have the airport in sight and therefore elected to make a precautionary landing on a drag strip.
Landing and Ground Strike
The aircraft cleared wires on the approach end of the drag strip. However, the pilot landed hard on the right side of the strip, and the right wing struck a large pole.