Flight Details
The accident occurred during a day visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane. The pilot had previously flown the reverse course without stopping for fuel en route. The pilot stated that he knew the fuel gauges were inaccurate, reading empty when the tanks were half full. The airplane was refueled at the departure airport, but no en route refueling stops were made on the day of the accident.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 14 nautical miles from the destination airport, the pilot informed the controller that the airplane was "out of fuel." The pilot received radar vectors to the nearest airport. During the final approach, the airplane cleared high lines, but then the pilot reported it "seemed to hit a downdraft over a grove of trees." The nose landing gear struck the trees, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground, landing short of the runway.
Weather
The wind was reported from 150 degrees at 16 knots with gusts to 20 knots. The flight was conducted during daytime conditions.
Conclusion
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, and the pilot reported fuel exhaustion. The airplane landed short of the runway after striking trees during the approach.