Flight Details
Prior to departure, the pilot attempted to refuel the airplane but was unable to do so because the fueling truck's battery was low. The pilot calculated that the aircraft had 1 hour and 30 minutes of fuel on board. The planned flight consisted of two legs, each estimated to take 20 minutes, providing a reserve of 40 minutes. The first leg was completed as scheduled, taking 20 minutes.
Weather Encounter
Shortly after departing on the second leg, approximately 10 minutes into the flight, the pilot encountered weather conditions that prompted a deviation. The pilot first attempted to fly around the weather to the south, then to the north. During this time, the pilot checked his watch and noted that he had been airborne for a total of 30 minutes since departure.
Engine Failure and Landing
The pilot's GPS indicated that the destination was 5 minutes away and that the weather had cleared the area. After an additional 2.5 minutes, the airport became visible. However, 30 to 40 seconds later, the engine sputtered and then quit. The airplane touched down approximately 2.5 miles short of the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the airplane and found no fuel present in the aircraft. No other anomalies were noted during the inspection.