Preflight Inspection
During the preflight inspection, the pilot visually inspected the fuel tanks and noted that they appeared to be full. The pilot had requested that the airplane be "topped off" with fuel before the flight, but another pilot had flown the airplane for 1.6 hours since the last refueling.
In-Flight Fuel Indications
Approximately 10 minutes from Roanoke Airport, the pilot observed that the fuel quantity gauges indicated about one-quarter tank of fuel. The pilot contacted Roanoke Air Traffic Control (ATC) and advised them of the low fuel condition, then proceeded inbound to land.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Shortly after the communication with ATC, the engine began to sputter and then completely lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing, the main wheels contacted soft turf, causing the nose wheel to dig into the ground, resulting in the airplane flipping over.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of fuel present in the fuel tanks or in the area surrounding the accident site.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that he should have used a more precise method to measure fuel quantity before departure.