Accident Sequence
The aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power caused by fuel exhaustion while still about 25 miles from its intended destination. The pilot initiated a forced landing. During the descent, the aircraft successfully cleared overhead power lines but subsequently made hard contact with rough ground. As the aircraft rolled over uphill terrain, it nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Pilot and Witness Reports
According to the pilot, both he and his passengers had visually confirmed that the fuel tanks were full before departure. After the power loss, the pilot switched fuel tanks and managed to restart the engine, but it ran for only two to three minutes before failing again. The pilot also noted that the fuel quantity indicators were giving inaccurate readings, though a post-accident check showed they were functioning correctly.
Investigation Details
The pilot reported the en route flight time as 1 hour and 35 minutes, whereas a police report indicated a flight duration of at least 3 hours and 5 minutes. On the previous day, a 2.5-hour flight consumed fuel at a rate of approximately 11 gallons per hour. Investigators found no evidence of fuel spillage at the scene, and subsequent testing of the aircraft revealed no fuel leaks.