What happened
The pilot experienced a loss of engine power while flying over unsuitable terrain. During the flight, which lasted 3.2 hours, the pilot operated the engine at 75 percent power with the intention of performing a proper break-in procedure.
At the time of departure, the aircraft's fuel levels were uneven, with one tank full and the other at three-quarters capacity. The pilot reported leaning the engine mixture until it became rough before enriching it again to achieve smooth operation. The total usable fuel capacity for the aircraft is 30 gallons.
The investigation
Post-accident investigators examined the aircraft and found no evidence of fuel leakage or excessive fuel consumption. Based on manufacturer specifications, the fuel consumption rate for best economy is 5.6 gallons per hour (GPH), while the rate for best power is 6.5 GPH.