What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was engaged in a pleasure cross-country flight. Approximately nine miles south of the destination airport, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. Despite attempts to restart the system, the pilot was unable to restore engine function. Consequently, an emergency forced landing was executed in an open field.
During the subsequent landing roll, the airplane collided with the terrain. A post-crash inspection revealed that the fuel tanks were completely empty, indicating a lack of fuel as the primary factor in the power loss.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage and aircraft systems focused on the cause of the engine failure. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical malfunction or external interference prior to the power loss. The critical finding was that the fuel tanks were empty at the time of the incident.