Accident Summary
A pilot did not recheck the aircraft's fuel quantity during an intermediate stop. After departing and while in cruise flight, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that the fuel gauges indicated the tanks were nearly half full at that time. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees and sustained damage.
Fuel Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed approximately 20 ounces of fuel in the right tank. The left tank was split open, but no evidence of fuel residue was found on the ground below the tank. The discrepancy between the gauge readings and the actual fuel quantity suggests fuel starvation.
Engine Operational Check
During an operational check of the engine after the accident, it started and ran normally, indicating the power loss was due to fuel exhaustion rather than a mechanical failure.