What happened
The pilot was conducting a VFR cross-country flight when several climbs, descents, and detours were required to avoid adverse weather conditions and maintain visual flight rules. The pilot noted that strong headwinds significantly reduced the aircraft's groundspeed during the flight.
Upon reaching the first intended landing airport, the pilot encountered strong, gusty crosswinds that made the approach difficult. Consequently, the pilot abandoned the approach and proceeded to an alternative airport featuring wider runways that were more closely aligned with the wind direction.
While turning from the base leg to the final approach at approximately 800 feet, the engine failed due to fuel starvation. Because of the low altitude, the pilot was unable to regain engine power. An attempt was made to perform a forced landing on a road; however, the aircraft struck a powerline, which caused it to lose control and crash into a ditch. The pilot was not injured.