Accident Overview
A pilot conducted a round-trip cross-country flight, departing with a total of 50 gallons of fuel. The first flight segment lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. Prior to the return night flight, the pilot chose not to refuel the airplane.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
One hour into the return flight, while 70 nautical miles from the departure point and 90 miles from the final destination, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preimpact failures with the airplane. A few tablespoons of fuel were observed in the carburetor gascolator. Both main fuel tanks had ruptured and were absent of fuel. There was no evidence of a fuel spill in the vicinity of the wreckage. The last refueling facility was tested and found free from contamination.
Fuel Consumption and Endurance
Fuel burn was calculated to be 14 gallons per hour, allowing a total flight endurance of 3.5 hours with no reserve. The airplane was operated for 3.3 hours prior to losing total engine power.