Incident Description
The pilot was maneuvering the airplane in the traffic pattern for landing when the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane in a wooded area approximately one-quarter mile from the airport.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks contained no fuel. An alternate fuel source was connected, and the engine was successfully test run, confirming that the fuel system and engine were functional.
The pilot reported that he had topped off the fuel tanks the evening prior to the flight. However, fuel records indicated that the airplane had last been serviced with fuel one week before the incident.
Further investigation determined that the airplane had not undergone an inspection in more than 18 months. Additionally, the pilot was flying without a current medical certificate and could not provide evidence of his most recent biennial flight review.