What happened
While conducting a business cross-country flight, the pilot became aware of a low fuel status while en route. Despite this, the pilot believed the aircraft could reach the final destination without an intermediate fuel stop.
The aircraft was cleared to descend when it was approximately 96 miles from the airport. Between 16 and 18 miles from the airport, the engine lost power. During the subsequent descent, the pilot determined the aircraft was high on the approach and responded by extending the landing gear and lowering one notch of flaps.
At approximately one-half mile from the runway, the aircraft began to descend below the intended glide path. The aircraft was unable to reach the runway, touching down approximately 200 feet short of the threshold. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with the terrain. The pilot was not injured.
Following the accident, the pilot reported that there was less fuel on board than originally estimated before takeoff and noted that the approach was misjudged due to the premature extension of the landing gear.