Flight Details
The pilot and her husband, also a pilot, departed on a cross-country flight. Before departure, the pilot did not check the airplane's fuel tanks but estimated that the tanks were half full. After takeoff, at 6,500 feet, the pilot observed the fuel gauge reading empty and decided to make a precautionary landing before the engine lost power. However, before the landing could be made, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to an open field, but the airplane collided with trees.
Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failures of the airframe or engine. No fuel was detected in any of the airplane's fuel tanks, or on the ground.
Previous Events
Four days before the accident, the pilots were at another airport and had made a request for the fixed base operator to change the oil and refuel the airplane. The airplane was not refueled, and the invoice for the services did not include fuel. The airplane was then flown on four separate flights, without either of the pilots checking the airplane's fuel quantity. The airplane was flown a total of 4.1 hours; the estimated fuel duration was 3.6 hours.