Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft lost engine power during a night cross-country flight from El Paso, Texas, to College Station, Texas, approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes after takeoff. The pilot reported that the right fuel tank quantity gauge indicated a quarter tank of fuel remaining at the time of power loss. The pilot had estimated a fuel endurance of 4.33 hours for the flight.
Forced Landing and Collision
The pilot initiated a forced landing to Highway 36. During the approach, the pilot flashed the aircraft's landing light to warn traffic of the intended landing. All vehicles moved out of the way except for a pickup truck, which the aircraft's left wing struck.
Post-Landing Inspection
After landing, the pilot examined the right fuel tank with a flashlight and observed that the bottom of the tank appeared 'buckled or bunched' up against the fuel quantity float. Subsequent examination of the right fuel tank revealed a damp fuel stain on the wing that originated from the filler cap. No bulging was found in the bottom of the tank. It was calculated that approximately 10 gallons of fuel had siphoned out during the flight.