Flight Overview
The flight originated at Ramapo, New York. During a preflight check, the pilot noted that the fuel gauges indicated full. When he visually checked the fuel tanks, he estimated that the fuel level in each tank was about 1 inch from being full. The aircraft had a total fuel capacity of 54 gallons, of which 4 gallons were unusable. The pilot estimated that he had enough fuel for the planned 3-hour flight.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 30 minutes after departing Ramapo, the pilot made a passenger stop at Stormville, New York. After another 1 hour of flight, he landed at Block Island, Rhode Island. Before departing Block Island, he conducted a preflight check and noted that the fuel gauges indicated slightly over half full. However, he did not visually check the fuel tanks before starting the 1.3-hour return flight.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
While en route to Spring Valley, New York, the engine lost power after an additional 1 hour of flight. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft struck brush and saplings.
Post-Accident Observations
After the original departure from Ramapo, the Hobbs meter showed 2.5 hours of elapsed time. Reportedly, no fuel was found in the tanks after the mishap.