Incident Overview
An airplane flying at an altitude of 2,000 feet, approximately two miles north of Phillips Airport, experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing procedure, aiming to reach the airport. However, the aircraft struck a tree about 200 yards short of the runway.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that he was unaware of the amount of fuel on board at the time of takeoff. He noted that the fuel quantity gauges indicated near-empty levels during the flight.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident investigation determined that the engine power loss resulted from an inadequate supply of fuel. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.