Flight Details
The pilot departed Wickenburg, Arizona, for a flight to Lompoc, California, with an intended intermediate stop near Twentynine Palms, California, to purchase fuel. Before departure, the pilot topped off the airplane with an estimated 35 gallons of fuel. The pilot took off using the left fuel tank and later switched to the right tank.
Engine Failure
During the flight, the pilot observed the right fuel tank gauge fluctuating between 1/4 full and nearly empty. Approximately 40 miles east of the intended intermediate destination, the engine suddenly quit. The pilot switched the fuel selector back to the left tank and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The pilot reported noticing the right tank was depleting quickly but elected to continue the flight.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank contained about 3 ounces of fuel, while the left tank was nearly full. The engine was run after the accident with no abnormalities noted.