What happened
During the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a highway, during which the airplane collided with various obstacles.
Prior to departure, the pilot performed a visual inspection of the fuel tanks but did not use a dipstick or other measuring device to quantify the amount of fuel on board. Based on this visual check, the pilot estimated the right tank was at approximately three-quarters capacity and set the fuel selector to that tank. The pilot proceeded with the flight without further verifying the quantity, leaving the selector on the right tank for the duration of the flight.
The investigation
An inspection of the aircraft by an A&P mechanic following the accident revealed that the right tank was completely dry. The left tank contained between one-half to one inch of remaining fuel. Subsequent testing performed after refueling the aircraft, including an engine run-up, showed no discrepancies with the engine, the fuel flow, or the engine-driven and electrical fuel pumps.
Findings
An investigation into the event determined that fuel exhaustion occurred because the pilot relied on a visual estimation of fuel levels rather than using a dipstick or appropriate measuring tool to confirm the quantity. The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented by not relying solely on the fuel gauge and by more accurately checking the tanks with a paint stick or similar instrument.