Flight Details
The pilot-in-command of a Cessna 172L topped off the aircraft's 42-gallon fuel system (38 gallons usable) but did not visually verify the fuel quantity. The pilot then departed on a series of flights covering more than 354 nautical miles over 5.33 hours of flight time. The flights included four intermediate stops, during which no fuel was added to the aircraft.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Upon returning to the point of origination, the pilot elected to execute a touch-and-go landing. During the climb-out following the touch-and-go, the aircraft's engine stopped operating. The pilot then executed a forced landing under dark night conditions on a north-south thoroughfare (Highway 161). During the forced landing, the aircraft impacted a vehicle.
Post-Crash Fuel Examination
Post-crash examination of the aircraft's fuel system retrieved 2 cups of fuel from the right wing fuel tank and 3 quarts from the left wing fuel tank. An FAA inspector on site was able to retrieve 4 drops of fuel from the gascolator following the accident.