Flight and Decision
During the return leg of a cross-country flight, a student pilot observed lower than expected fuel quantity readings. Suspecting a fuel leak or excessive fuel burn, he also noted signs of electrical failure. He elected to perform a precautionary landing on a rural road.
Landing and Collision
During the landing roll, the student pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid oncoming traffic. The right wing collided with a pole and a fence, and the aircraft nosed over.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident inspection revealed that three spark plug leads were loose and a fourth was disconnected. The fuel tanks were found to be between one-half and three-quarters full. The aircraft alternator was operative, but the battery was discharged.