What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft en route to an airport with the intention of refueling. Approximately two miles prior to reaching the destination airport, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot reported that this failure was caused by fuel exhaustion.
In response to the emergency, the pilot executed a forced landing on a nearby gravel road. During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck a mailbox located near the roadway. Following the impact, the aircraft departed the road surface and subsequently nosed over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the aircraft following the incident. Examination of the fuel system confirmed that no usable fuel remained in the tanks at the time of the engine failure. There were no indications of mechanical malfunction or pre-impact fire that would suggest an alternative cause for the power loss.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the depletion of the aircraft's fuel supply. The pilot failed to ensure sufficient fuel reserves were available to reach the intended refueling point. This oversight led directly to the engine stopping and the subsequent forced landing on unprepared terrain.