Incident Overview
A pilot reported that the engine lost power approximately 20 miles from the airport where he had planned to refuel. The airplane subsequently collided with utility wires as he attempted to land on a highway.
Pilot Report and Fuel Analysis
The pilot attributed the power loss to fuel exhaustion. A postcrash examination by a mechanic revealed only trace amounts of fuel remaining onboard. The pilot noted that he had topped off the fuel tanks before departure; based on previous flights in the same airplane, he expected an endurance of 5.5 to 6 hours. However, the actual endurance was about 4.8 hours.
Manufacturer's Endurance Data
Examination of the airplane's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) showed that under the flight conditions reported by the pilot, the expected endurance was approximately 4.7 hours at 75% power and 5.4 hours at 65% power, with a 45-minute reserve at 45% power. The POH noted that indeterminate variables could account for variations of 10% or more in airplane range and endurance.
Additional Context
Several airports with fuel were available along the route of flight, but the pilot continued toward his intended destination before the power loss occurred.