Accident Sequence
The pilot was conducting a VFR cross-country flight when he encountered adverse weather conditions. He made the decision to return to Hannibal, Missouri, to land. While flying the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine failed unexpectedly. The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck trees located adjacent to the airport boundary, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
Post-Accident Examination
A thorough examination of the aircraft was conducted following the accident. The fuel system was inspected, revealing that both the fuel lines and the fuel sumps were devoid of fuel. Furthermore, no measurable quantity of fuel was detected in the fuel tanks after the crash. However, the investigation noted that both wings had sustained extensive damage during the collision with trees. This damage precluded any reliable assessment of the amount of fuel that was onboard prior to the accident.
Fuel Starvation Cause
Refueling had been accomplished at the pilot's last stop, which was approximately 120 miles away from the accident location. Despite the empty fuel system, investigators were unable to determine the specific reason for the fuel starvation. The circumstances leading to the fuel exhaustion remain undetermined.