Incident Details
A pilot departed Lancaster, California, for Burbank with an estimated 16 gallons of usable fuel on board. While approaching Burbank to land, the engine lost power. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot attempted to find a roadway or street without vehicles. Just before touchdown, the aircraft struck a utility pole, then dropped to the surface and slid into a vehicle.
Findings
After the accident, less than 2 gallons of fuel were found remaining in the aircraft. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure with the aircraft but suggested that with better fuel gauges, the accident might have been avoided.