What happened
The pilot reported that the fuel tanks had been topped off prior to the flight. While flying at 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot diverted to the west due to weather conditions. At the time of the incident, winds were recorded from 160 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots.
After two hours of flight, the engine RPM began to decrease, dropping from 2,200 to 2,000 and then down to 1,500 RPM. The pilot attempted to maneuver for a landing in a field oriented north to south; however, during this maneuver, the engine RPM dropped further to 1,000 RPM. Realizing the intended field was no longer reachable, the pilot turned toward the southwest to execute a forced landing.
During the flare phase of the touchdown, a wind gust from the south lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the ground.
The investigation
The aircraft was found to have an inoperable fuel indication system. A visual inspection of the engine components revealed a small amount of fuel remained in the firewall fuel strainer and the carburetor float chamber. Investigators found no evidence of fuel within the fuel tank or the lower fuselage cavity. Furthermore, there were no signs of fuel seepage at the crash site, nor were there any fuel stains on the fuselage that would suggest a leak.