Background
The renter pilot arrived at the fixed base operator (FBO) to fly the available aircraft. Staff informed him that the aircraft had been flown for 1.6 hours earlier that day and had not been refueled. Furthermore, another renter had reserved the aircraft for departure in one hour. Faced with the possibility of a delay for refueling, the pilot decided to take the aircraft with the partial fuel already on board. Based on the fuel quantity relayed by the FBO, he calculated that approximately 2.4 hours of fuel remained.
Flight and Engine Failure
The flight lasted about 1.5 hours. During this period, the pilot executed four takeoffs. While in cruise flight heading back to the FBO's airport, the engine suddenly lost power and stopped. The pilot immediately sought a suitable landing area and selected an interstate highway for a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Collision
As the pilot guided the aircraft toward the highway on final approach, the aircraft struck a power line. This impact disrupted controlled flight, causing the aircraft to collide with the ground in an uncontrolled manner.
Post-Mishap Examination
After the accident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system. They found that both fuel tanks were empty, confirming fuel exhaustion as the reason for the engine failure.