What happened
The pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight when the engine experienced a sudden loss of power during the cruise phase. With no remaining altitude to glide effectively, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby residential area. The aircraft collided with trees and the ground, resulting in substantial destruction of the airframe.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft at the time of impact. Investigators found that the fuel tanks were completely devoid of usable fuel. The pilot reported smelling gasoline fumes throughout the three-hour duration of the flight, suggesting a potential leak in the fuel system. However, the severity of the damage sustained during the crash made it impossible to verify the presence or location of any fuel leaks.
Findings
The primary factor leading to this accident was fuel exhaustion. The aircraft ran out of fuel during cruise flight, causing the engine to stop producing power. Contributing to the outcome was the inability to confirm a fuel leak due to the extensive damage to the aircraft structure after impact.