Incident Overview
A pilot flying a recently purchased aircraft from Colfax, Washington, to Kent, Washington, experienced a loss of engine power after covering over 150 statute miles. The pilot, occupying the front seat, was accompanied by the rear seat pilot, who had just bought the aircraft. The forced landing was executed on rocky terrain.
Fuel Verification Issues
According to reports, the pilot did not adequately verify the amount of fuel available before departure. After the forced landing, the rear seat pilot checked the right wing fuel tank low point drain and observed only enough fuel to moisten his thumb. A similar check of the left wing fuel tank low point drain produced a steady stream of fuel. However, when the rear seat pilot returned the following day to begin recovery procedures, he was unable to siphon any fuel from either tank. Additionally, no significant fuel was observed when the wings were removed from the airframe.
Probable Cause
The official investigation attributed the incident to the pilot's inadequate verification of fuel quantity, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing.