Flight Details
The flight was a repositioning leg to return the aircraft to its home base after completing an on-demand air taxi operation. The pilot reported that he departed without visually checking the fuel tank level. According to the pilot, the fuel gauges indicated half tanks, and he believed that quantity was sufficient to complete the return flight.
Accident Sequence
En route, the pilot became concerned about the fuel state and decided to divert to Coalinga Airport. While on final approach, the engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently touched down with the landing gear retracted in a plowed field approximately one mile short of the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the fuel system found it intact. A total of about three pints of fuel was recovered from all fuel tanks combined.