Accident Overview
Approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes after departing from Republic Airport, the pilot reported experiencing engine problems. Unable to reach an airport, the pilot radioed that he would attempt to land on a road. The aircraft subsequently struck trees and crashed in a wooded area about 100 feet from the road.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction. The left fuel tank was opened during the impact sequence. Search and rescue personnel reported no odor of fuel upon reaching the accident site.
Fuel Examination
Only residual fuel was found in the right fuel tank. The left fuel tank, having been opened during the crash, contained no detectable fuel. The lack of fuel odor and the presence of only residual fuel in the right tank suggest that fuel quantity was minimal at the time of the accident.