Flight Planning and Diversion
During preflight planning, the pilot anticipated needing an en route fuel stop due to forecast headwinds. About 45 minutes into the flight, his passenger became agitated, prompting a diversion to an alternate airport along his flight path, approximately 25 miles from the planned fuel stop. Upon arrival, he discovered no fuel services were available. Recalculating his flight plan, he estimated sufficient fuel to continue to the destination without the planned stop.
Low Fuel Declaration and Engine Failure
After takeoff from the alternate airport, darkness fell. The pilot reported feeling stressed due to mountainous terrain and the passenger's discomfort. Approximately 5 miles southeast of the accident airport, he informed air traffic control that he was low on fuel. Controllers provided vectors to the airport, which lacked a lighted field. While descending to locate the airport, the engine failed. The pilot switched fuel tanks, restarting the engine. About 15 seconds later, the engine failed again.
Landing and Aftermath
The pilot sighted two cars on a road and executed a landing between them. During the landing rollout, the right wing struck a road sign. Post-accident inspection of the fuel tanks revealed residual fuel, with no evidence of leakage.