Forced Landing After Fuel Exhaustion on Interstate Highway (N33170)

Incident Overview and Emergency Declaration The pilot estimated that the aircraft had between 32 and 33 gallons of fuel at the time of takeoff. The fuel level was noted to be just below the tabs in the tanks, which correspond to approximately 17 gallons in each tank. Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes after departure, the engine began running rough. In response, the pilot declared an emergency and was cleared to land at the international airport. ## Forced Landing and Damage The engine subsequently lost all power, and the propeller began windmilling. While operating at best glide speed, the pilot was unable to reach the airport and executed a forced landing on a cloverleaf of an interstate highway. During the landing, the aircraft struck a corrugated metal drainage culvert. This impact resulted in the collapse of the nose and the right main landing gear. ## Post-Accident Fuel Investigation A salvage company that retrieved the aircraft drained slightly more than 1 quart of fuel from both fuel tanks and the fuel strainer. No fuel stains were observed on the wings or underneath the fuselage.