Incident Summary
During a cruise flight, the pilot of a Cessna 182 encountered a sudden engine failure. The pilot reported that the engine stopped abruptly, leading him to suspect a lack of fuel. The aircraft was equipped with fuel gauges that were reportedly inoperative.
Pilot Actions
In response to the engine failure, the pilot attempted to restore power by switching fuel tanks, applying carburetor heat, and enriching the fuel mixture. These actions did not restore engine operation. The pilot stated that he had been monitoring fuel usage with a fuel log book.
Post-Crash Inspection
Following a forced landing, the pilot examined the aircraft's fuel tanks. According to the pilot, the tanks appeared to be empty. The exact location and circumstances of the landing were not specified.
This incident highlights the challenges of managing fuel quantity without operational gauges. The pilot's reliance on manual fuel logging and the subsequent engine stoppage underscore the importance of accurate fuel management, though no formal cause has been determined.