What happened
The aircraft experienced a total power failure caused by fuel exhaustion. Recognizing that a forced landing at an airport was not feasible, the pilot elected to land on a highway instead. The pilot reported that after determining the originally chosen lane was unsuitable for landing, he intentionally maneuvered the aircraft into an alternate lane. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft collided with an automobile.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was fuel exhaustion. The decision to land on a roadway rather than an airfield was driven by the inability to reach a suitable airport. The collision occurred during the ground roll phase of the forced landing. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the driver of the automobile suffered serious injuries.
Safety message
Pilots should ensure adequate fuel reserves are maintained to allow for diversion to an airport in case of engine failure. When a forced landing on a highway is necessary, careful assessment of traffic conditions and lane selection is critical to avoid secondary collisions.