Incident Overview
A pilot contacted approach control and requested vectors to the nearest airport, stating that the aircraft was low on fuel. Vectors were provided, but the engine subsequently lost power. The aircraft was damaged during a forced landing in a wooded area.
Investigation Findings
An investigation determined that the aircraft had been flying for approximately 4.5 hours when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, fuel was "up to the top of the wing" and that the aircraft held 5 to 5.5 hours of fuel.
Post-Accident Examination
During a post-accident examination of the aircraft, fuel was found in the line between the fuel tanks and the engine. However, the gascolator had separated, and water was found in the line between the electric fuel pump and the engine-driven fuel pump. According to the report, water could not have been introduced into the fuel system after the accident by the weather.