What happened
During flight operations, the aircraft's engine ceased producing power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot initiated an attempt to land on a nearby highway. According to witness accounts, as the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft into the northbound lane while vehicles were traveling south, the right main landing gear struck the side of a bank. This impact caused damage to the aircraft during the forced landing sequence.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel systems to determine the cause of the power loss. The wing fuel tanks were discovered to be completely empty. During the inspection process, approximately one ounce of fuel was drained from the gascolator, confirming that the engine had been deprived of its necessary fuel supply prior to the emergency landing.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was fuel exhaustion, which resulted in the loss of engine power during flight. The subsequent emergency landing on a highway introduced additional risks, including the potential for collision with traffic and terrain. The impact with the bank while attempting to align with the roadway contributed to the damage sustained by the aircraft's landing gear.