Preflight and Initial Indication
The pilot reported performing thorough preflight fuel consumption calculations. The first indication of a minimum fuel situation occurred when he noticed the right fuel gauge was "deep into the yellow."
Actions Taken
The pilot selected the right fuel tank and flew until the gauge indicated empty. He then switched to the left fuel tank, which showed 1/8 fuel. Shortly after, the engine lost power. The pilot switched back to the right fuel tank, and the engine regained power. The engine lost power again.
Forced Landing and Impact
The pilot selected a landing site in a field. On final approach, he realized the terrain in the field had a slope of about 20 degrees. He turned left to line up with a road, and the left wing impacted the road. The airplane departed the right side of the road and descended a steep embankment. It traveled through a fence and came to rest in a flooded field.
Damage and Egress
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and passenger egressed uneventfully.