Flight Events
The flight proceeded without incident until approximately 20 miles from the destination airport, when the engine lost power. The pilot successfully restarted the engine and was advised of two alternate landing airports, but continued toward the planned destination. The engine subsequently quit several more times, including once while directly overhead an airport. Unable to land at the destination airport, the pilot attempted a forced landing. During the descent, the airplane collided with a tree.
Fuel and Weight
Postaccident examination revealed about 3/4 to 1 cup of fuel drained from the left fuel tank and 1 cup from the right fuel tank. The airplane was over gross weight at takeoff but within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. The estimated time en route per the flight plan was 2 hours 5 minutes; however, postaccident calculations indicated 3 hours 48 minutes. The actual takeoff-to-landing time was 3 hours 34 minutes. Based on calculations, total fuel consumption for the flight was about 37 gallons, with the flight departing with an estimated 38 gallons.
Technical Findings
An open circuit of the left fuel tank transmitter was noted, but no determination was made as to the reason.