What happened
The pilot prepared for a flight to Hot Springs, Arkansas, by refueling the aircraft with 20 gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline. During the cruise portion of the flight, approximately 40 miles from the destination, the fuel quantity indicator for the left tank showed empty. In response, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank to continue the flight.
Approximately 10 miles from Hot Springs, the engine lost power and quit completely. The pilot immediately switched the fuel selector back to the left tank in an attempt to restore fuel flow. The engine operated for a brief period before failing again. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot began searching for a suitable emergency landing area.
The pilot identified a highway as a potential landing site. However, late in the approach, trees were spotted in the flight path. To avoid the obstacles, the aircraft stalled near the tree tops.