Accident Summary
Approximately 4 hours into a cross-country flight, the engine sputtered and then ceased operation. Unable to glide to the intended destination airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent field.
Sequence of Events
During the landing roll, the nose gear fractured, causing the aircraft to nose down. The pilot reported that the fuel supply had been exhausted. According to the pilot, the flight began with 4 hours of fuel plus a 45-minute reserve. Post-accident examination found only 1 to 2 quarts of fuel remaining in each wing tank.
Findings
The pilot stated that the fuel exhaustion led to the engine failure. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear from the forced landing.