Accident Overview
A pilot was returning from a VFR cross-country flight during which numerous climbs, descents, and detours were made to avoid adverse weather and maintain visual flight rules (VFR). The pilot reported that strong headwinds significantly reduced the aircraft's groundspeed.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at the first intended landing airport, strong gusty crosswinds made the approach 'squirrelly,' prompting the pilot to abandon the attempt and proceed to an airport with wider runways that were nearly aligned with the wind. While turning from base to final at approximately 800 feet, the engine quit due to fuel starvation. The pilot was too low to restore engine power and attempted a forced landing on a road. During the landing, the aircraft clipped a powerline, which threw the aircraft out of control, and it crashed into a ditch.
Pilot's Remarks
In a subsequent statement, the pilot indicated that to avoid such an accident in the future, he would pay more positive attention to fuel consumption and the quantity of fuel remaining in each tank.