Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on an embankment approximately 1.5 miles short of runway 29 after its engine lost power. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.
Fuel Examination
Following the incident, only about one cup of fuel was found in each of the aircraft's two fuel tanks. The pilot reported having believed there were about 12 gallons of fuel remaining before the engine lost power. However, the front-seat passenger noted that the left and right fuel tank gauges were indicating "empty," while the center gauge indicated what the passenger thought was 10 to 12 gallons of fuel.
Gauge Configuration
Investigation revealed that the aircraft was equipped with only two fuel tanks and had no third auxiliary tank. The center gauge, which the passenger interpreted as a fuel quantity indicator, was actually a fuel system pressure gauge.
Sequence of Events
The engine lost power before the aircraft reached the airport. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing on an embankment short of the runway, resulting in damage to the aircraft.