Flight Duration and Fuel Endurance
The aircraft's make and model has a non-stop endurance of 4.2 hours in normal cruise conditions. The pilot's reported route had a calculated en route time of 4.0 hours with no wind at normal cruise settings. However, the time from initial departure to the mishap was 6.0 hours.
Observed Refueling Missed
During the flight, the aircraft was observed to land at an en route airport and depart without refueling.
Pilot's Low Fuel Report
Approximately 25 miles from the destination, the pilot called the UNICOM at an airport reporting a low fuel state.
Descent and Maneuvering
The aircraft was observed in an apparent power-off glide on a long straight-in approach to a runway. About 1.3 miles from the threshold, the aircraft entered a steep descending 270-degree turn toward a small open area.
Impact
Investigation revealed the aircraft impacted trees short of the open area while in a 90-degree bank at an altitude of about 25 feet above ground level. No evidence of fuel was found on board at impact.