Accident Details
A pilot reported that due to a bad ankle, he was unable to visually check the fuel tanks for quantity and had a line boy perform the check. The line boy estimated the tanks needed about 6 gallons to be full. The pilot noted the fuel gauges indicated about 1/4 full and initially ordered fuel, but later canceled the order after discussing the situation with a colleague.
Flight and Power Loss
The pilot reported that the 30-mile flight at night was uneventful until he began a descent, at which point the engine lost power. He was over a wooded area and elected to land with the gear retracted. Before landing, he saw a road but said he did not have time to extend the gear.
Emergency Landing
During the landing, the aircraft struck a car, then the ground. The vehicle driver received minor injuries.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel cap was loose, which allowed fuel to siphon. The pilot reportedly was unable to detect the loss of fuel at night because the fuel gauge indications did not change.