Preflight and Departure
The pilot checked weather, calculated en route times, and fuel required before departing. He activated his flight plan, requested and received radar traffic advisories, and climbed to an altitude of 7,500 feet mean sea level.
Fuel Gauge Discrepancy
Once over the London Airport, the right fuel tank indicated empty, while the left tank indicated half. During preflight, the pilot calculated that both tanks should indicate half, but he continued the flight, believing the right gauge was faulty.
Loss of Radio Contact and Disorientation
Approximately 20 miles past London, the pilot lost radio contact with air traffic control and became disorientated. It was night, visibility was approximately 4 miles, and both fuel tanks indicated empty.
Decision to Land
The pilot began to doubt his initial assessment that the right gauge was faulty, so he decided to make an off-airport precautionary landing in a field.
Collision with Wires
While on final approach, approximately 50 feet above the ground, the airplane contacted wires and crashed.
Post-Accident Findings
The pilot had 130 hours of total flight experience. Five gallons of fuel were found in the left tank, and 6 gallons in the right tank. The communication radio, navigation radio, transponder, and alternator were tested and found to function properly.